Symptoms and diagnosis
A stroke or a brain attack occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel or when a blood vessel bursts, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain.
An ischemic stroke occurs when the blood vessel is blocked. This is the most common type of stroke.
A hemorrhagic stroke (brain bleed) occurs when a blood vessels breaks. This type of stroke is less common.
Other important but less common stroke symptoms
F – Face; ask the person to smile. Does one side droop?
A – Arms; ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S – Speech; ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is there speech slurred or strange?
T – Time; If you observe any of these signs, call ambulance immediately!
Physical examination. Our Neurologist will ask you or a family member what symptoms you’ve been having, when they started and what you were doing when they began. Our specialist then will evaluate whether these symptoms are still present.
Our doctor will want to know what medications you take and whether you have experienced any head injuries. You’ll be asked about your personal and family history of heart disease, transient ischemic attack and stroke.
We will also check your blood pressure and use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and to listen for a whooshing sound (bruit) over your neck (carotid) arteries, which may indicate atherosclerosis. We may also use an ophthalmoscope to check for signs of tiny cholesterol crystals or clots in the blood vessels at the back of your eyes.
Echocardiogram. An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create detailed images of your heart. An echocardiogram can find a source of clots in your heart that may have traveled from your heart to your brain and caused your stroke.
You may have a transesophageal echocardiogram. In this test, your doctor inserts a flexible tube with a small device (transducer) attached into your throat and down into the tube that connects the back of your mouth to your stomach (esophagus). Because your esophagus is directly behind your heart, a transesophageal echocardiogram can create clear, detailed ultrasound images of your heart and any blood clots.
Myth | Reality |
Stroke is unpreventable | Stroke is largely preventable |
Stroke cannot be treated | Stroke requires emergency treatment |
Stroke only strikes the elderly | Stroke can happen to anyone of any age |
Stroke happens to the heart | Stroke occurs in the brain |
recovery only happens for a few months following a stroke | Stroke recovery continues throughout life |
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Tel: +65 6653 5677
Email: mathewtung@neurosurgery.com.sg
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