What Tests Can Be Done To Identify The Stroke?

Strokes occur when blood to the brain gets interrupted or reduced. When this occurs, brain cells begin to die as they don't get enough nutrients and oxygen. Such life-threatening episodes can strike you anytime.

There are certain signs that can help you to clearly recognise an occurrence of stroke:

• Face drooping on one side
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body, usually a leg or an arm
• You're unable to think or say anything clearly
• You experience slurred speech
• Difficulty in moving your tongue
• You get a sudden and severe headache

Causes

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to your brain is interrupted or reduced. This deprives your brain of oxygen and nutrients, which can cause your brain cells to die. A stroke may be caused by a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or the leaking or bursting of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Some people may experience only a temporary disruption of blood flow to their brain (transient ischemic attack, or TIA).

What Tests can be Done to Identify the Stroke?

There are certain tests that you can do to identify these warning signs.

• To identify facial weakness, the smile test is used wherein you're simply asked to show your teeth to check for any changes in this facial expression - a lopsided smile.
• To check for weakness in the body, the arm test is performed in which you raise both your arms to the same height. In case you're unable to do so, you may be experiencing arm weakness, a sign of stroke.
• For slurring of speech, you may be asked to repeat sentences such as 'Don't cry over spilt milk' or 'The pen is mightier than the sword'.
• Stroke can also be identified through the walk test wherein with the help of another person, you walk across the room to check for changes in your step.

If not treated in time, strokes can cause permanent brain damage. More importantly, unlike heart attacks, anxiety may not always be the cause of your stroke symptoms. That's why, being aware of these symptoms and recognising them on time can help you to quickly seek medical assistance.

Endocrine causes of hypertension leading to stroke frequently go undiagnosed in cases such as Pheochromocytoma, Conn's syndrome, Cushing's syndrome, etc. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an Endocrinologist.