Brain imaging
To identify the cause of stroke which can be due to an obstructed blood flow, or a burst blood vessel in the brain, and to locate the area of damage, brain imaging techniques are used.
- CT scans: Computerized Tomography is the technique that provides a 3-D X-ray image of the brain. Administration of a dye in the vein of the arm can then help visualize any clot in the vessels, spot any weakened vessel or a burst at any point in the vessel web. A simple look at this image can help physicians pinpoint the area of damaged brain cells and assess the severity of the cerebrovascular attack.
- MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging uses an established magnetic field and radio waves to efficiently spot the injury in the brain. It is faster and sharper than the CT scan.