Can ultrasound and tests detect stroke early?

Strokes often come on suddenly, and are most often caused by damage to blood vessels and the development of plaque and blood clots that block arteries.

Blood tests help detect many problems that can be risk factors for stroke such as dyslipidemia, high blood lipids, diabetes or atrial septal defect causing cerebral vascular occlusion. Specialized tests such as tests for hypercoagulability and multifocal atherosclerosis also help screen for and provide early warning of stroke.

Carotid ultrasound helps detect the buildup of cholesterol-containing plaque in the carotid arteries in the neck. These arteries supply blood to the brain. This ultrasound is often ordered as part of a stroke screening program in people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, dizziness, memory loss, or warning signs of a stroke or transient ischemic attack.

A carotid ultrasound may be performed when a doctor hears an abnormal sound (called a bruit, BREW-ee) in the carotid arteries through a stethoscope. However, a carotid ultrasound of the neck is usually not needed in healthy people. Significant narrowing of these arteries is rare, and less than 10% of first-time strokes are associated with narrowing of the carotid arteries in the neck.

Stroke can occur due to many different causes and blood tests or ultrasound help detect related factors, not all. If you are worried and want to screen for stroke, need a comprehensive check-up, there are many different stroke screening programs, from basic to advanced, depending on age and current health status.

In addition to tests and ultrasounds, patients may be prescribed X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, etc. to screen and detect early many other abnormalities that can lead to stroke. For example, CT scans and MRIs help detect specific abnormalities in the brain, malformations, aneurysms, narrowing of blood vessels, blood clots, etc.

If you have high blood fat, you need to pay attention to changing your lifestyle, maintaining regular exercise, eating scientifically, avoiding or reducing animal fat, increasing vegetables and fruits. Avoid being overweight or obese, quit smoking, do not drink alcohol. Comprehensive control of risk factors helps prevent stroke long-term and effectively.