Stroke

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Diagnosis & Tests

In an emergency, the first thing a healthcare professional needs to do is find out if the person is having a stroke and what type it is - ischemic or hemorrhagic. If possible, try to remember the exact time symptoms started. This helps the team choose the best treatment.

During the first exam, the healthcare professional will:

  • Check the person's blood pressure
  • Order lab tests to check for high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, and blood clotting problems.
  • Check for disabilities such as weakness or paralysis, and problems with the senses - vision, hearing, touch, and thinking.

Other Tests Used to Diagnose Strokes

  • CT scan of the head or a brain MRI
  • Angiograms, which show how blood flows through vessels
  • Echocardiogram (pictures of the heart)
  • Ultrasound and Doppler studies (to check the carotid arteries in the neck)
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) (measures heart rhythm)
  • Heart rhythm monitoring for abnormal heartbeats


Last Reviewed and Updated: October 2026 
By: AGS/HiAF Public Education Committee, HealthinAging.org Content Reviewers

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