Is it a stroke when all your test come back negative?

Not necessarily. A stroke is a sudden loss of brain function caused by a disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. It is important to note that a negative result on diagnostic tests does not always rule out the possibility of a stroke. Some strokes, particularly minor ones, may not produce noticeable changes on imaging tests or may be difficult to detect.

Additionally, some tests used to diagnose strokes may have limitations or may not be able to detect certain types of strokes. For instance, a CT scan may not pick up small strokes or strokes in certain locations of the brain, while an MRI may be more sensitive but can be more expensive and less accessible.

If you are experiencing symptoms that suggest a stroke, such as sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, problems with vision, or dizziness and loss of balance, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention, regardless of the results of any tests you may have had.