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Stroke Diagnosis

How is a stroke diagnosed?

The first test the doctor will do in the emergency room is a CT scan of the head. This can show if there is bleeding in the brain. You may also have an MRI.

Other tests recommended for ischemic stroke include:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) to check for heart problems.
  • Blood tests to help your doctor make choices about your treatment and to check for conditions that may cause symptoms like those of a stroke. Tests may include:
    • Complete blood count (CBC).
    • Blood sugar.
    • Electrolytes.
    • Liver and kidney function.
    • Prothrombin time and INR (a test that measures how long it takes your blood to clot).

Tests you may have later

If it seems that you may have a narrowing of a carotid artery, your doctor may want you to have a:

  • Carotid ultrasound/Doppler scan to evaluate blood flow through the artery.
  • Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA).
  • CT angiogram.
  • Carotid angiogram.

If your doctor believes that the stroke may have been caused by a problem with your heart, you may have an echocardiogram or Holter monitoring or a telemetry test.

Guidelines recommend that risk factors for heart disease also be assessed after a stroke to prevent disability or death from a future heart problem. This is because many people who have a stroke also have coronary artery disease.

Condition Spotlight

Latest Advances in Stroke Treatment Watch Video
Stanford Pioneers New Brain Imaging to Improve Stroke Care
Stanford Pioneers New Brain Imaging to Improve Stroke Care Play Video | 2:12
Stanford Stroke Experts Advance Recognition of Stroke in Young People
Stanford Stroke Experts Advance Recognition of Stroke in Young People Play Video | 4:06
Infographic Know the Signs of Stroke: BE FAST Infographic
Stroke: The Basics
Stroke: The Basics Play Video | 1:05:34
Comprehensive Stroke Center
Comprehensive Stroke Center Play Video | 0:28
Innovative, Rapid Stroke Treatments Save Lives Watch Video
Stanford Stroke Awareness Month: BE FAST
Stanford Stroke Awareness Month: BE FAST Play Video | 2:25
Time is Brain. Know the Signs of Stroke.
Time is Brain. Know the Signs of Stroke. Play Video | 0:22

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.

Open trials refer to studies currently accepting participants. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.

Open Trials Closed Trials
Clinical Trials View All »

Our Clinic

The Stanford Stroke Center is a pioneer in using the latest surgical techniques and innovative therapies to rapidly treat individuals experiencing a stroke.  

Stanford Neuroscience Health Center
213 Quarry Road
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Phone: 650-723-6469
Visit Clinic