Timely and correct diagnosis is crucial. If your doctor suspects that you might be having or have had a stroke, they need to rule out other conditions that might explain your symptoms. Tests are usually ordered to determine if someone is having a stroke and establish the type.
Time is of the essence. If your doctor strongly suspects that you might be having a stroke, they might prioritize treatment to take advantage of the golden hour of stroke.
Diagnosis of a stroke can be done through a combination of tests. A physical exam is often used to evaluate symptoms and gauge the severity of the stroke. Your doctor will be checking certain parameters such as the ability to move your arms and legs, facial movements, sensation to touch, and ability to speak clearly, among others.
Imaging tests are also used to take images in and around your brain to help find the site of the stroke and determine the type. Other tests for a stroke include lumbar puncture and heart and blood tests
Yes. An MRI is an imaging test that uses powerful scanner magnets and radiofrequency waves to determine if there are changes in brain tissue. Because of how powerful and sensitive the test is, an MRI can reveal brain damage within an hour, paving the way for fast stroke treatment in Singapore.
Ministrokes are often used to refer to Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA). TIA is a temporary lack of blood flow to the brain due to blockage. Although ministrokes are temporary and do not often cause permanent brain damage or disability, they can put someone at a higher risk of developing a stroke.
It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you notice signs of a stroke even if they last a few minutes. As part of the stroke screening routine, your doctor will likely use a CT scan to see if a brain bleed caused the blockage.
CT scans are widely available in most hospitals and are often used as the first choice if your stroke doctor needs urgent imaging. They provide information about the type of stroke and can help your doctor rule out other causes of your symptoms.
On the other hand, an MRI provides detailed imaging and is very effective in providing information about the type and location of the stroke. Your doctor will evaluate your specific situation to determine which test to order.
A stroke can either be hemorrhagic or ischemic. Hemorrhagic strokes are less common and develop when a blood vessel leaks or ruptures and bleeds into the brain. Ischemic strokes are more common and occur when blood flow to the brain is restricted.
A good neurointervention specialist may order a combination of tests including physical and neurological examination, blood tests, and imaging tests such as CT scan and MRI to determine the kind of stroke you might be having, its location, and its cause.
CT and MRI scans are two of the most effective medical imaging tests for determining the presence, type, and location of stroke. Unlike an MRI, a CT scan can show significant changes in brain tissue and is more effective at identifying brain bleeds.
When comparing the two, an MRI is more accurate while a CT scan is faster and easily accessible. Doctors often get a CT scan first, then if needed, they may later order an MRI scan.
For better stroke management, your doctor may order a CT scan if they need faster results. In addition, some patients may be unable to go inside an MRI machine due to several reasons such as metal implants (e.g. pacemakers and metal screws) that cannot be removed. Be sure to ask your doctor why they ordered one test over the other.
Although MRIs are more detailed and have higher clarity, they have a few drawbacks. MRI tests take much longer than CT scans and may not be appropriate in emergency situations.
Patients with claustrophobia and those who may not be able to hold still for the duration of the MRI scan are better diagnosed using a CT scan. There is also the issue of limited availability, but you can still get expert stroke care and MRI scans at a specialised stroke clinic in Singapore.
Although there is no specific best time of day to get either test done, there is a growing recognition of factors that may impact MRI measures. One such factor is the time-of-day (TOD) effect, a factor that could impact brain volume.
More research still needs to be done on whether time of day can impact MRI or CT scan results. For this reason, simply talk to your doctor about the best time to arrive for your test if it has been scheduled for the future, and be sure to arrive early.
Stroke is a life-threatening condition. A stroke scan should ideally be done as soon as symptoms start to determine the cause and start stroke treatment as soon as possible. Repeat scans may also be performed 48-72 hours after the stroke diagnosis to monitor the condition.
A stroke can alter your life forever. If you suspect that you might be having one, Dr. Manish Taneja, our stroke specialist in Singapore is here to offer guidance. Contact us to arrange an appointment at our specialised stroke clinic in Singapore to find out more about stroke meaning, diagnostic imaging, treatment, and more.
