An exploration into the investigations used to diagnose stroke
An Exploration of the investigations used to diagnose stroke
Methods Used to Diagnose a stroke
There are many different tests that can be carried out to help diagnose a stroke. The main way in which they are found is by using brain imaging so that they are able to pick up any visual issues. Brain imaging allows the doctors to understand whether the stroke was ischemic or hemorrhagic. It also allows them to determine how severe it was. Those who have suffered from a stroke must have a brain scan within 24hours to ensure the best diagnosis can be given to them allowing them to recover much better. Other tests are carried out to help the doctors realise the other smaller effects that the stroke has had upon the patient, these tests are smaller and easier to do but are no less important in allowing the stroke to be diagnosed.
Brain Imaging (CT and MRI)
CT and MRI scans are popular methods to carry out brain imaging. CT scan is rather like an X-ray which is more detailed and built up into a 3D image. An MRI scan creates an extremely detailed picture of the patient’s body. Both scans are useful in diagnosis however the particular one carried out depends upon how severe the doctors feel your stroke may have been. Both types of scans have their individual pros and cons as they are appropriate to reach different needs of the patient.
Blood Tests
Blood tests may be taken as these will tell us the person’s cholesterol and blood sugar levels, so that they are able to receive a wider understanding of the possible causes of the patient’s stroke.
Swallow Tests
Patients that have suffered from a stroke often have swallowing problems and as a result swallow tests are important to be carried out because if they are unable to swallow properly it could lead to inhalation of the food into the lungs causing a chest infection and/or pneumonia. It is an easy test of which requires the person to drink a few teaspoons of water- If they do so without choking they will begin to swallow more
Methods Used to Diagnose a stroke
There are many different tests that can be carried out to help diagnose a stroke. The main way in which they are found is by using brain imaging so that they are able to pick up any visual issues. Brain imaging allows the doctors to understand whether the stroke was ischemic or hemorrhagic. It also allows them to determine how severe it was. Those who have suffered from a stroke must have a brain scan within 24hours to ensure the best diagnosis can be given to them allowing them to recover much better. Other tests are carried out to help the doctors realise the other smaller effects that the stroke has had upon the patient, these tests are smaller and easier to do but are no less important in allowing the stroke to be diagnosed.
Brain Imaging (CT and MRI)
CT and MRI scans are popular methods to carry out brain imaging. CT scan is rather like an X-ray which is more detailed and built up into a 3D image. An MRI scan creates an extremely detailed picture of the patient’s body. Both scans are useful in diagnosis however the particular one carried out depends upon how severe the doctors feel your stroke may have been. Both types of scans have their individual pros and cons as they are appropriate to reach different needs of the patient.
Blood Tests
Blood tests may be taken as these will tell us the person’s cholesterol and blood sugar levels, so that they are able to receive a wider understanding of the possible causes of the patient’s stroke.
Swallow Tests
Patients that have suffered from a stroke often have swallowing problems and as a result swallow tests are important to be carried out because if they are unable to swallow properly it could lead to inhalation of the food into the lungs causing a chest infection and/or pneumonia. It is an easy test of which requires the person to drink a few teaspoons of water- If they do so without choking they will begin to swallow more
References: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/stroke/diagnosis.html (30/09/13) http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Stroke/Pages/Diagnosis.aspx (30/09/13) http://www.webmd.com/stroke/guide/stroke-exams-and-tests (30/09/13) http://stroke.ahajournals.org/content/34/4/1056.long (30/09/13) http://Strokecenter.org (1/10/13) www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Blood-tests/Pages/Introduction.aspx (1/10/13) www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9673329 (1/10/13) www.radiologyinfo.org/mobile/en/info.cfm?pg=angiocath (1/10/13) uk.answers.yahoo.com › ... › Diseases & Conditions › Other - Diseases (2/10/13) www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angiography (2/10/13)