Stroke
Alternate Names : Brain Attack, Cerebrovascular Accident, CVA
How is the condition diagnosed?
The first step in diagnosis of stroke is a medical history and physical exam. This may
be all that is needed to make the diagnosis. In other cases, further tests may
be needed.
Cranial MRIs and cranial CT
scans may be ordered to show the type, size, and location of the
stroke. They can also show whether or not there is bleeding in the brain, which
can help with some treatment decisions.
Other tests may be ordered to help determine the cause of the stroke. For
instance, a special X-ray test of the neck arteries can detect blockage.
Certain X-ray tests of the heart can show heart failure or changes from a heart
attack. A heart tracing, or ECG, can show abnormal heartbeats, such as atrial
fibrillation, or certain changes from a heart attack.
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