Diagnosing a Stroke

Stroke Diagnosis

Time and expertise are critical factors when it comes to diagnosing and treating stroke effectively. That’s why as a comprehensive stroke center, University Hospital has a team of stroke specialists on staff 24/7. Our team puts its skills, experience and advanced technology to work immediately to diagnose and begin treatment as quickly as possible when you’ve suffered a stroke.

Types of Stroke

• Ischemic stroke – occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to your brain
• Hemorrhagic stroke – occurs when bleeding into the brain is caused by a broken blood vessel
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA) – mini or warning stroke, occurs when a clot blocks blood flow temporarily

Diagnosing and treating stroke by dissolving the blood clot or stopping bleeding quickly reduces the risk of brain damage.

Diagnosing Stroke Type and Speeding Treatment Process

Our stroke-trained neurologists, neurosurgeons and radiologists work together to diagnose the type of stroke and speed the treatment process to give you a better chance of a more complete recovery.

Diagnostic Testing for Stroke

If paramedics suspect stroke, they send a stroke alert to University Hospital. When you arrive at our emergency department, our team is ready to assess your condition, determine the type of stroke you’re having, and deliver the most appropriate treatment.

Diagnosis includes talking with you or family members about the symptoms you’ve been having, when they started and what you were doing when they began. You’ll also undergo a physical exam and blood tests, along with diagnostic testing using the most advanced imaging technology available, which may include:

• Computerized tomography (CT) scan — creates a detailed image that can show bleeding in the brain
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — shows changes in brain tissue and cells
• CT arteriogram (CTA) and magnetic resonance arteriogram (MRA) — show large blood vessels and location of a blood clot
• Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiogram — look at your heart to determine if there is an abnormality that could have caused a stroke
• Cerebral angiogram — gives a detailed view of arteries in your brain and neck
• Carotid ultrasound — shows the carotid arteries in the neck, and if there is a buildup of fatty deposits (plaque)