Stroke
A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or when bleeding occurs inside the brain.
When to get help quickly: Stroke symptoms are always urgent. Sudden weakness, speech trouble, facial droop, collapse, or major confusion should be treated as an emergency right away.
Common symptoms
Symptoms often start suddenly and may include facial drooping, arm or leg weakness, slurred speech, loss of balance, confusion, or sudden loss of vision.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps immediately because doctors need to know whether the stroke is caused by a blocked vessel or bleeding before treatment decisions are made.
What radiology does
CT and MRI help distinguish ischemic from hemorrhagic stroke and may show vessel blockage or brain tissue at risk.
What usually happens next
Treatment depends on the type and timing of stroke and may include emergency clot treatment, blood pressure control, procedures, rehabilitation, and long-term prevention.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.
Related articles
- Stroke Explained: The Radiology Role and What Happens NextStroke care moves fast, and imaging is one of the first things that helps the team decide what kind of stroke it is and what treatment is possible.
- A CT Scan Explained for PatientsCT scans are fast and detailed, which is why doctors reach for them in emergencies and complex diagnoses. Here is what they do best.
- Should You Worry About Radiation from a CT Scan?It is reasonable to ask about radiation, but the fear of exposure should be weighed against the value of getting the right diagnosis.
Related scan guides
- CT BrainA CT Brain scan is one of the most commonly performed neuroimaging procedures in Radiology. It uses X-rays and computer processing to create highly detailed images of the brain and skull.
- CT Brain AngiographyA CT Brain Angiography (CTA Brain) creates detailed maps of the blood vessels inside your head. It uses X-rays and computer processing to capture clear, 3D images of your cerebral circulation.
- CTA CarotidA CTA Carotid (Computed Tomography Angiography of the Neck) is an imaging test that focuses on the major arteries in your neck that supply blood to your brain.