Tests for Stroke

  • Stroke
    A stroke is caused by the interruption of the blood supply to the brain, usually because a blood vessel bursts or is blocked by a clot. This cuts off the supply of oxygen and nutrients, causing damage to the brain tissue. The effects of a stroke depend on which part of the brain is injured and how severely it is affected. A very severe stroke can cause sudden death.
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 29 October 2015

What tests do you need to have done?

Stroke is a medical emergency, and anyone suspected of having a stroke should be taken to hospital immediately (delay affects rehab) so that tests can be done and the correct treatment provided as quickly as possible. Tests include:

  • Physical examination and tests like a blood pressure test, blood tests to check cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels. 
  • Ultrasound - a wand waved over the neck can provide a picture that shows whether there is any narrowing or clotting in the arteries.
  • Computerised tomography (CT) scans of the brain can show an area of the brain that has poor blood flow.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain can show moving blood flow and may help evaluate carotid artery blockage.
Community
Neurological Conditions
Stroke Rehab and Recovery
Condition
Stroke
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Sun, 10/24/2021 - 19:37

Stories

  • Understanding Neuroplasticity, Neurorecovery and Neurorehabilitation
    Dr Abhishek Srivastava, Director, Centre for Rehabilitation at Kokilaben Hospital, Mumbai explains the approaches to neurorehabilitation after stroke and how applying the four types of neuroplasticity can help a patient recover and live independently. Stroke is the leading cause of disability in adults. For Patients, its end of road, for Family its beginning of a burden, for Physicians its interventions, for Organization its investment and for the Nation its loss of Disability…
  • Mr Surana a stroke survivor seated ready to start his physiotherapy
    Twin Pillars of My Stroke Recovery: Hardwork And Willpower
    Mr Bhawarlal Surana, 69 from Mumbai had a brain stroke at work. Fortunately he spotted the signs and acted fast. He shares the challenges he faced post-stroke and his mantra for a strong recovery. Please tell us a bit about your condition. I am a Stroke survivor of 11 years.  I had a stroke in November 2010. I was 58 years old then. What were the early symptoms? What made you go to a doctor? It was a regular day that I started by waking up at 5 am and going for my walk at Five Gardens near…
  • A woman in a red kurta and white dupatta standing in a garden
    I Did Not Correlate My Intense Headaches to Stroke
    Jennifer Menezes, 28-year-old stroke survivor, fights her paralysis with hope and courage. Here she narrates her account in detail to disseminate information, particularly against prolonged headaches which could indicate a looming stroke. I suffered a life-threatening stroke at age 26. I happened to be one among thousands, as stroke is an uncommon occurrence among young adults. It paralysed my left hand and leg and left me with a facial palsy which thankfully got back to normal within weeks.…
  • A pic with the words Stroke in women and some elements like a stethoscope and a diary
    Does Stroke Affect Women Differently?
    We know that stroke is a leading cause of disability. Dr. Nitin Sampat, Consulting Neurologist and Clinical Neurophysiologist highlights how stroke affects women differently, the risk factors for stroke in women and the preventive measures that can be taken. In India, the incidence of stroke is 84-260 lakh annually and the stroke rate in people > 70 years is 1.5% per year. It is the 4th leading cause of death and it still accounts for 1.3% of all causes of death in the world. However, it is…
  • Rehabilitation Is Essential For Regaining Independence
    Spinal cord injury, stroke and osteoporosis are common causes of disability. The Chandigarh Spinal Rehab centre offers holistic rehabilitation to empower patients and enable independent living. For what conditions or disabilities does the Centre have Rehabilitation facilities? Spinal Cord Injury Traumatic brain injury Stroke Multiple Sclerosis Cerebral Palsy Children with special needs Geriatric Rehabilitation Post Joint Replacement Therapy Spina Bfida Pain Management Other Neuro Conditions…
  • "The Only Thing That Brought Me This Far Is Family Support"
    Arvind CV, a 27 year old young man had a sudden stroke in November 2019 while working as an Operations Manager for a company in Qatar. He had no history of hypertension or any other health issues leading to this. His life naturally turned upside down. Arvind here talks of his path to recovery and what helped him attain it. Please tell us a bit about your condition. What were the early symptoms? Firstly, let me put a disclaimer out there that I had no idea about what a stroke was, nor did I have…
  • Man stroke survivor jogging wearing a blue jacket and green pants
    I Did Not Survive a Stroke to be Miserab
    Being a stroke survivor, I have learnt to adapt and improvise with what is left of me, says Nishit Lama resident of Darjeeling, who has turned to running, starting with a few shaky steps to joining the 15 km Freedom Run, to overcome his debility, depression and spread awareness. Being a chain smoker, with poor eating habits, no exercise and 47-year old, I should have seen it coming. See Nishit Lama's video below  One fine February morning in the year 2015, when the symptoms came suddenly,…
  • Stroke Speech Therapy Rehabilitation Word Cloud
    Speech Therapy Exercises after Stroke
    Speech impairment affects nearly 70% of stroke patients. Dr Kaustubh Mahajan, Consultant Neurophysician, details some of the best and simplest speech exercises to help regain ability to communicate. Stroke is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Strokes can lead to muscle weakness/paralysis, imbalance without any weakness, cognitive issues, issues with speech and even death. But with better treatments most patients are surviving from otherwise life threatening strokes. After a…
  • Challenges of living after a stroke
    "I Feel Defeated all the Time After My Stroke"
    Atul Tandon, a successful lawyer, had a severe stroke that led to his cognitive impairment, memory loss and shattered happiness. Here, he struggles to answer questions and says his confidence will take time to get back. His wife Rashmi helps him share his experience. Introduction (written by his wife Rashmi) Atul had a brain stroke in 2017 at age 52. He had a blood clot on the centre of his brain, inclined towards the left side of the brain due to which he felt weakness on the right side of the…
  • How To Deal With Comorbidities And Be Prepared To Re-open With Covid-19
    A handy list of resources for living with the coronavirus and managing your chronic conditions. Just look for your condition below. If you don't find what you are looking for, please leave a comment and we will get back to you.     We must live with Covid-19 pandemic for a while. For people with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, rheumatic conditions, pulmonary conditions, it is even more essential to manage these conditions better. For e.g. a…