Stroke diagnosis

If you experience the warning signs of stroke, call 9-1-1 or your medical emergency number immediately. The faster you get to the nearest emergency healthcare facility, the sooner you can be treated.

If you have symptoms that could be stroke-related, or have risk factors for stroke, your doctor may conduct a number of tests to help with your diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor will first determine if you have had a stroke, and if so, what type of stroke you experienced. Your doctor will also determine what parts of your brain have been affected.

Below you will find a list of diagnostic tests your doctor may conduct if you have symptoms of a stroke. 

Stroke tests

• Angiography or arteriography
• Blood and urine tests
• Carotid ultrasound (Doppler)
• CT or CAT scan
• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• Holter or event monitoring 
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)/Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
• Neurological exam
• Physical exam
• Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)