Heart and blood vessel tests
Medical treatment
Once the stroke has been diagnosed, medication may stop the stroke getting worse, control blood pressure or treat underlying problems. For example:
- antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs make the blood less sticky and stop clots forming;
- intravenous fluids may be given to stop the person becoming dehydrated, especially if they cannot swallow; and
- insulin keeps blood sugar levels stable and smokers will be given support to stop smoking.
Heart and blood vessel tests
Further tests on the heart and blood vessels might be carried out later on to confirm what caused the stroke.
- Carotid doppler uses ultrasound to examine the speed of blood flow through the carotid artery in the neck. It is used if the doctor thinks that the stroke might have been caused by narrowing of this artery, which carries blood to the brain.
- Echocardiogram uses a doppler probe to study the way the heart is working and look for problems. Usually this is done by moving the probe over the person’s chest.
- A chest x-ray will help show the condition of a person’s heart and lungs, and highlight any obvious causes of the stroke.
Links
A stroke is a brain injury
Hospital tests
Swallow test
Going into hospital
Rehabilitation
From hospital to home
