Physical tests and observation of images of the brain during a scan are important ways to diagnose a stroke. Some of the tests that may be carried out include the blood tests that are important in determining the blood sugar levels and cholesterol, taking a blood pressure measurement and checking the pulse for an irregular heartbeat. Seeking prompt medication in case of any symptoms is also important in the early diagnosis of a stroke.
The older people are more likely to suffer from a stroke because the incidences of a stroke increase with age (Pendlebury, Giles & Rothwell 5). There are many risk factors that are associated with a stroke. Some of them include smoking, high levels of cholesterol, poor diet or obesity, lack of exercise and drinking too much alcohol. Some risk factors like age, family history and gender cannot be controlled.
Some of the signs or symptoms of a stroke include numbness of the face, leg or arms. The numbness typically occurs on one side of the body. One can also experience difficulty in speaking or speaking in a slurred speech. Dizziness and loss of balance also are a common symptom for strokes. The brain needs to be supplied with oxygen as well as other nutrients and failure or alterations to the execution of these functions may lead to a stroke (Grotta et al. 3).
The best way to determine or diagnose a stroke is by taking tests as well as having a scan of the brain. A computed tomography (CT) scan is a painless test that uses X-ray to capture clear images of the brain. The scan can show any damage to the brain or even bleeding in the brain. It is always advisable to take the tests once a stroke has been suspected. Warning signs or symptoms of a stroke may vary from one individual to another and, therefore, the range of warning signs may be wide.
Work cited
Grotta, James, et al. Stroke: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Management. Philadelphia: Elsevier, 2016. Print.
The book has been written succeeding past editions by an experienced and distinguished group. The book highlights the expansion in the scope of interest in the field and how to better manage the condition. The ways in which imaging technologies have improved the way stroke is studied and treated have also been discussed.
Pendlebury, Sarah, Giles, Matthew & Rothwell, Peter. Transient Ischemic Attack and Stroke: Diagnosis, Investigation and Management. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2009. Print.
The book explains the importance of early diagnosis of a stroke and subsequent management and treatment. The book also outlines how the management of strokes has tremendously changed over the years and how governments have made the issue a top priority. The authors present their practice-based research which has led to these changes. The book also provides the ways a stroke can be detected early and how to manage other factors that will make a patient comfortable and enjoy the quality of life.
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