Types Of Stroke

 

Ischemic

This type of Stroke is the result of decreased blood flow and oxygen delivery to a part of the brain
This can be caused by:

  1. Atherosclerosis (the build up of fatty material in an artery (blood vessel) to the brain, frequently with high cholesterol in the blood
  2. A blood clot from the heart or from an artery
  3. Problem with small blood vessels in the brain usually due to high blood pressure, with or without diabetes

Hemorrhagic
This type of stroke may be caused by a burst blood vessel that has a weakness in its wall. The blood then goes into the brain tissue causing damage to that part of the brain. High blood pressure can also cause bleeding in the brain


Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
This looks like a stroke but only lasts about 10 to 30 minutes.  There is no evidence of damage to the brain seen on imaging studies.  Having a TIA increases a person’s chance of having a stroke in the future

Diagnostic Tests

  • CT Scan ~ An xray of the brain to look for evidence of bleeding or an ischemic stroke. This is done when the individual come to the Emergency Department. An ischemic stroke may not be seen on a CT scan for a day or more after it happens.
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
    This is a different type of  brain image with magnets instead of xray. It can detect a stroke earlier than a CT scan.
  • Carotid Duplex Ultrasound
    This test looks at the blood vessels in your neck (carotid arteries) to see if they are narrowed
  • Transcranial Dopplers
     This test looks at the blood vessels in your brain to see if they are narrowed
  • Transthoracic Echocardiogram
    This looks at your heart through ultrasound to see how well it pumps, how the  valves work, and if there is a blood clot in your heart
  • Transesophageal Echocardiogram
    This test involves placing a small tube down your throat into your esophagus (where food goes after being swallowed) to get a different view of your heart to see if there is a clot or anything that might allow a clot to form.
  • Cardiac Monitoring
    This involves placing patches on your chest and attaching them to a portable monitor so we can watch your heart beat for any irregularities

 

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