Stroke

Tests in the emergency room

The first test after a stroke is typically a Reference CT scan, a series of X-rays that can show whether there is bleeding in the brain. This test will show whether the stroke is Reference ischemic or hemorrhagic Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window. You may also have an Reference MRI to find out the amount of damage to the brain and help predict recovery.

Other initial tests recommended for ischemic stroke include:

• Reference Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) to check for heart problems.
• Blood tests to help your doctor make choices about your treatment and to check for conditions that may cause symptoms similar to a stroke. Tests may include:
  • Reference Complete blood count (CBC).
  • Reference Blood sugar.
  • Reference Electrolytes.
  • Liver and kidney function.
  • Reference Prothrombin time (a test that measures how long it takes your blood to clot).

Tests you may have later

If it seems that you may have a narrowing of a Reference carotid artery Opens New Window, your doctor may want you to have:

• Reference Carotid ultrasound/Doppler scan to evaluate blood flow through the artery.
• Reference Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA).
• Reference CT angiogram.
• Reference Carotid angiogram.

If your doctor believes that the stroke may have been caused by a problem with your heart, an Reference echocardiogram or Reference Holter monitoring or telemetry test may be done.

Guidelines recommend that risk factors for heart disease also be assessed after a stroke to prevent disability or death from a future heart problem. This is because many people who have had a stroke also have Reference coronary artery disease Opens New Window.

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