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Stroke Screening Tools

The Internet Stroke Center reports that 795,000 people have a stroke each year. While there are different forms of stroke as well as levels of severity, 143,579 people die each year from strokes. There are many screening tests that can help to predict the possibility of a stroke that can be used to lessen the chances of having a stroke. These tests can let you know if you should seek appropriate medical guidance to minimize your chances of having a stroke.

  1. Risk Factor Assessment

    • While it may be difficult to predict a stroke, there are certain risk factors that can significantly increase your chances of having one. If you have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or cholesterol, your risk of stroke is much greater. It is also higher for smokers, obese people and people who drink excessive amounts of alcohol. These risk factors are controllable. There are also uncontrollable risk factors such as people over age 60 and certain ethnic groups. Usually, the first screening tool used by medical professionals to detect the possibility of a stroke is asking whether or not you fall into any of these risk groups.

    Imaging Scans

    • Physicians have a number of imaging screens that can be used to help assess the probability of stroke for people. Among them is the CT scan, or computed tomography scan. This test takes very detailed pictures of the brain and can detect bleeding or show scar tissue and damage from previous stroke or injuries. A similar screening tool used is the MRA, or magnetic resonance angiogram scan. This type of scan also takes pictures of the brain but is even more detailed and accurate in showing changes or problems that may be present. Both of these scans are non-invasive, painless and involve nothing more than equipment taking pictures of the brain. A carotid Doppler scan is a form of sonogram used to detect the flow of blood to and from the brain from the carotid artery in your neck. A small handheld device is placed on the neck and is moved back and forth over the artery to produce images on a screen. There are other tests and screens that can be used to determine stroke risk that are more invasive but are only used if results of routine imaging tests and screens are inconclusive or additional information is needed.

    Blood Tests

    • There are several blood tests that can assist medical professionals in determining your risk for stroke. A lipid panel test determines whether or not you have high cholesterol. Elevated cholesterol levels can put you at a higher risk for stroke. A blood glucose test determines the amount of your blood sugar. This test can determine if you are diabetic, which also puts you at a higher risk. A syphilis test is another blood test sometimes done to determine the risk of stroke. This disease is known to cause stroke.

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