Early detection of a stroke provides the best chance for recovery. There are several easy tests for determining if someone is experiencing a stroke. A brief neurological assessment can be performed on the spot at the first sign of symptoms. Once at the hospital, technology can help health-care providers determine exactly what type of stroke has occurred.
Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale
This test can be performed by a layperson in about a minute. Check the person for any of the following three physical findings: facial droop, arm drift or abnormal speech. First, have the person show his teeth or smile. If the smile is lopsided and both sides of the face do not move equally, a stroke may have occurred. Next, have the person close her eyes and stretch her arms out in front of her with palms up. Ask her to hold this position for ten seconds. If one arm drifts down, a stroke may have occurred. The final step is to have the person say, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks". If speech is slurred or the words spoken out of order, suspect a stroke.
Evoked Response Test
The evoked response test is performed by a doctor. According to the American Heart Association, this test checks the brain's ability to detect sensory stimuli. Vision is tested by flashing a light or a checkerboard pattern in front of the person's eyes. The doctor evaluates for pupil constriction and dilation and for eye accommodation. Hearing is assessed by producing different pitches and volumes of sound. Touch, feeling and movement are checked by using electrical impulses to stimulate nerves.
Computerized Axial Tomographic Scan
More commonly called a CAT scan, this test is used by doctors to see if a stroke has occurred, and if so, what type of stroke and in which part of the brain. A CAT scan is a type of X-ray. The only requirement of the patient is that he lay still during the test, which usually takes about five minutes.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
This easy test for a stroke is more commonly called an MRI. It is used to detect brain abnormalities that may have caused, or may lead to, a stroke. As with the CAT scan, the patient does not experience any pain, but she is required to lie still for a longer period of time, anywhere from 40 minutes to one hour.
References
- American Heart Association: Stroke Tests
- "Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support;" American Heart Association; 2006
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Improving the Chain of Recovery for Acute Stroke in Your Community
