Banner Health
Making healthcare easier
INSTALL

Stroke Testing and Diagnosis

What Kinds of Tests Can Diagnose a Stroke?

If you think you or someone you care about is having a stroke, call 911 immediately. First responders will be able to do a quick check or test to detect a stroke. They’ll want to know exactly when symptoms started and might check your blood sugar level.

If all signs point to a stroke, they’ll call a CODE STROKE to the hospital to ensure everyone is ready to hit the ground running.

Within the first 10 minutes of being at the hospital, a doctor will start a physical exam. Along with the exam, the doctor will ask you or a loved one about your health history and the symptoms you experienced.

After about 15 minutes, your doctor will run a series of tests to see what kind of stroke you’re having and the severity of it. During this time your doctor may perform some blood tests and check how aware you are of the situation, how well you see, speak and move.

Banner Brain & Spine is committed to improving access to the latest stroke diagnostic and treatment for patients through innovation. With our stroke AI technology, we can diagnose suspected strokes and initiate brain-saving treatment faster than ever before.

Within 25 minutes of your arrival at the hospital, you’ll get a CT scan to determine what type of stroke you’re having. Within 45 minutes, your doctor will review the results and provide stroke treatment.

Typically ischemic stroke patients get a drug to dissolve the blood clot and get blood flowing back to your brain. Hemorrhagic strokes usually involve surgery to treat ruptured blood vessels.

What Happens After a Stroke Prognosis?

A stroke prognosis depends on the type of stroke and how soon after it was treated. As a stroke causes permanent death of brain cells, immediate treatment usually helps improve a patient’s prognosis. The longer it takes to receive treatment, the greater the extent of brain tissue death.

Unfortunately, most stroke patients will experience some difficulties after having a stroke, like poor memory, muscle weakness, paralysis or trouble with speech.

Banner Brain & Spine’s world-renowned staff are experts at diagnosing strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, we’ll help you get back on your feet with the best treatment for you.