There are several tests at the medical team’s disposal to help them evaluate a patient’s medical condition and reach an accurate and reliable diagnosis. During the hospital stay, the medical team will decide which tests to perform and when, depending on the patient’s condition.

Stroke patients who are prescribed medication for secondary prevention of stroke are required to undergo periodic blood tests to ensure that the medications are effective in reducing the risk of a recurrent stroke.

CT (Computed Tomography)

CT tests use multiple X-ray images and a brain scan to provide imaging of the brain structure to test for various pathologies in the brain tissue. This imaging makes it possible to diagnose the type of stroke (hemorrhage or infarction). The test can be performed with or without the injection of a contrast agent, depending on the need and at the doctor’s discretion.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

An imaging test based on magnetic resonance. This test is another advanced means of diagnosing brain damage in brain structure or in the blood vessels and is intended only for specific cases at the doctor’s discretion.

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

This test measures the brain’s electrical activity with electrodes that are connected to the scalp.

Doppler Ultrasound

This is an ultrasound of the arteries in the neck, aimed at locating stenoses or occlusion (blockage) in the large blood vessels which supply blood to the brain. The main arteries that supply blood to the brain are called the carotid arteries. In certain cases of significant stenosis in the carotid artery, surgical intervention — carotid endarterectomy — will be considered to remove the stenosis, or alternatively, the insertion of a stent to open up the stenosis. The optimal procedure is determined by the patient’s doctor.

Transcranial Doppler (TCD)

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) is a test to track the flow of blood within the brain.

Echocardiography

This test uses sound waves to examine the structure of the chambers of the heart, to rule out pathologies in the heart chambers (ventricles or atria) that could be a source of blood clots or embolisms that reach the brain.

Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)

An echocardiogram performed via the esophagus. This test is performed by inserting an electrode into the esophagus and provides a more precise image of the structure of the heart chambers and aortic arch. The test is performed by recommendation in special cases, at the doctor’s discretion. The test is performed under local anesthesia at a cardiac institute.

Holter Monitor

This is an electrocardiogram (ECG) device that records heart rate over a period of time (24-48 hours) and enables the detection of arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation that were not detected by a routine one-time ECG test.

Equipment for evaluating a patient’s medical condition and alerting the intensive care unit to changes:

• Monitor: Helps continuously monitor heart activity and blood pressure. The patient is connected to the monitor with conductive cords connected to the chest with stickers.
• Pulse Oximeter: A device for monitoring a patient’s blood oxygen saturation. The device is connected to the fingertip or earlobe with conductive threads. Blood oxygen saturation in a healthy person is near 100%.