The doctor may order one or more of these tests to know if you have had a stroke or are at risk for stroke.
- Medical history and physical examination
The doctor will take a medical history and do a physical examination. He or she will review your risk factors for stroke and perform a neurological examination.
- Laboratory tests
Your doctor will order the appropriate blood tests to check blood, urine, and other body fluids. These tests may help to rule out other causes. There is no specific blood test available yet to detect stroke.
- Computed Tomography (CT scan)
A patient with stroke symptoms will receive a CT scan of the head as soon as possible. This test can tell if a hemorrhagic stroke occurred. For information about ischemic strokes, it may be necessary to repeat the test several hours later. The test is like an x-ray and uses radiation to create a picture of the brain.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
This test uses a large magnetic field to show if the brain is injured. The picture of the MRI is sharp and detailed and can show small deep injuries of the brain.
- Carotid Ultrasound
This test uses sound waves to show how the blood flows through the arteries in the neck that supply the brain with oxygen rich blood.
- Echocardiogram of the heart
This test uses sound waves to make moving picture of the heart. It is helpful to see if a possible blood clot from your heart has caused the stroke.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
This test records the electrical signals of the heart, and can show heart damage or an abnormal heart rhythm. Atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of stroke.
- Swallow test
Stroke can affect swallowing. A simple swallow test checks your ability to swallow without choking or coughing.