How is a stroke diagnosed?

When a stroke is suspected, the doctor will get a history of the event. If the patient is confused or otherwise unable to describe what happened, a family member, friend or other witness is usually a better source of information.

Tests may be done to determine the patient’s overall level of consciousness and to assess factors such as the ability to open the eyes, the ability to move and the ability to speak.

The doctor may request a series of other diagnostic procedures such as a CT (computed tomography) scan or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).