Evaluation
Procedures for Stroke / Brain Attack
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic
procedures for stroke may include any, or a combination of, the following.
Imaging tests of the brain:
computed tomography (CT or CAT scan)
A non-invasive procedure that takes cross-sectional images of the brain or other internal
organs; to detect any abnormalities that may not show up on an ordinary x-ray.
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
A non-invasive procedure that produces two-dimensional view of an internal organ or
structure, especially the brain and spinal cord.
radionuclide angiography
A nuclear brain scan in which radioactive compounds are injected into a vein in the arm,
and a machine similar to a Geiger counter creates a map showing their uptake into
different parts of the head. The images show how the brain functions rather than its
structure. This test can often detect blocked blood vessels and areas where the brain is
damaged.
Tests that evaluate the brain’s electrical activity:
electroencephalogram (EEG)
With this diagnostic procedure, small metal disks (electrodes) are put on the scalp to
detect electrical impulses transmitted and received by brain cells.
evoked response test
This test monitors how the brain handles different sensory stimuli (i.e., sight,
hearing, or touch).
Tests that measure blood flow:
carotid phonoangiography
A small microphone is placed over the carotid artery on the neck and a technologist
listens for a bruit -- a murmur sound created by blood flow as it passes through a
partially blocked artery.
Doppler sonography
A special transducer is used to direct sound waves into a blood vessel to evaluate blood
flow. An audio receiver amplifies the sound of the blood moving though the vessel.
Faintness or absent of sound may indicate an obstruction in the blood flow.
ocular plethysmography
This test measures pressure on the eyes, or detects pulses in the eyes.
cerebral blood flow test (inhalation method)
This test measures the amount of oxygen in the blood supply that reaches different areas
of the brain.
digital subtraction angiography (DSA)
This procedure provides an image of the blood vessels to the brain to determine if there
are any blockages.
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