Stroke & Neurovascular Assessment

A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted. Every minute counts, as brain cells deprived of oxygen and nutrients begin to die. Following a stroke, the focus shifts from diagnosing the stroke itself to assessing the damage and planning treatment to address its neurological and vascular impact.

This is where Tellica Imaging excels. We are equipped with advanced imaging technology and a team of dedicated healthcare professionals to provide rapid and accurate neurovascular assessments after a stroke.

We understand the urgency of stroke care. That's why Tellica Imaging is committed to providing timely and accurate assessments to support your stroke recovery journey.

Understanding Stroke

A stroke, often referred to as a "brain attack," occurs when the blood supply to a part of your brain is interrupted or reduced. This sudden loss of blood flow can cause brain cells to begin dying within minutes due to a shortage of oxygen and nutrients.

This damage can cause temporary or permanent disability, depending on the extent of the brain tissue affected and how quickly treatment is received.

In the event of a stroke, every second counts, and rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential for minimizing brain damage and improving recovery outcomes.

Types of Stroke

Stroke types can be classified as:

Ischemic Stroke: This is the most common type of stroke, occurring when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain. This blockage can happen in different ways:
- Thrombotic stroke: A blood clot forms in an artery in the brain.
- Embolic stroke: A blood clot forms elsewhere in the body (often in the heart) and travels to the brain, blocking an artery.

Hemorrhagic Stroke: This occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing bleeding. There are two main types:
- Intracerebral hemorrhage: Bleeding occurs within the brain tissue itself.
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage: Bleeding occurs in the space between the brain and the surrounding tissue.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A third type of stroke - transient ischemic attack (TIA) - is often referred to as a "mini-stroke." It occurs when blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked, causing stroke-like symptoms that usually resolve within a few minutes or hours. While TIAs often don't cause permanent damage, they are a serious warning sign of an impending stroke and should be treated as a medical emergency and evaluated immediately.

Stroke Symptoms

Recognizing the signs of a stroke is crucial for timely intervention. Common stroke symptoms include:

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or trouble walking
Sudden severe headache with no known cause

If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, it's essential to seek medical attention immediately by calling emergency services.

Consequences of Stroke

The impact of a stroke can vary widely depending on the location and severity of the brain damage. Some people recover fully, while others may experience long-term disabilities.

Potential consequences of stroke include:

Physical disabilities: Weakness, paralysis, numbness, difficulty walking, balance problems, and loss of coordination
Cognitive impairments: Memory loss, difficulty with problem-solving, attention deficits, and language difficulties
Emotional challenges: Depression, anxiety, mood swings, and personality changes
Communication difficulties: Aphasia (difficulty understanding or expressing language), dysarthria (difficulty speaking), and swallowing problems (dysphagia)
Sensory changes: Vision problems, such as blurred or double vision, and changes in taste or smell

It's important to note that stroke recovery is a unique journey for each individual. With appropriate medical care, rehabilitation, and support, many stroke survivors can significantly improve their quality of life.

Understanding the Neurovascular System

The neurovascular system is a complex network of blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the brain and is crucial for its optimal function. The carotid arteries in the neck and the vertebral arteries at the base of the skull are the main blood vessels that supply the brain.

The key components of the neurovascular system include:

Blood Vessels: These include arteries, veins, and capillaries.
- Arteries: Carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the brain.
- Veins: Return deoxygenated blood from the brain back to the heart.

Capillaries: Tiny blood vessels that allow the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between the blood and brain tissue.
Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB): This protective barrier controls the passage of substances from the bloodstream into the brain.

A healthy neurovascular system is important because it supports:

Brain function: Providing the necessary oxygen and nutrients for brain cells to operate efficiently
Waste removal: Clearing out waste products from the brain
Protection: Helping to shield the brain from harmful substances via the blood-brain barrier

Any disruption to the neurovascular system, such as a blockage or rupture of blood vessels, can lead to serious consequences, including stroke.

Diagnostic Imaging for Stroke & Neurovascular Assessment

Diagnostic imaging options like CT scans and MRIs play a critical role in diagnosing and evaluating stroke and other neurovascular conditions. These advanced techniques provide invaluable information about the brain's structure, function, and blood flow.

At Tellica Imaging, we prioritize your comfort throughout the imaging process. Our team of experienced technologists and board-certified radiologists ensure high-quality scans and accurate interpretations. Additionally, we offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs and work with most major insurance plans.

Tellica Imaging’s CT Scans for Stroke & Neurovascular Assessment

A CT scan is a rapid imaging technique that provides detailed cross-sectional images of the brain. In the case of stroke, it is invaluable for quickly determining if a hemorrhage, or bleeding, is present. This is crucial as the treatment for a hemorrhagic stroke differs significantly from that of an ischemic stroke.

Moreover, a CT scan can help to rule out other conditions that might mimic stroke symptoms, such as tumors or infections. By visualizing the brain tissue in great detail, healthcare professionals can assess the extent of any damage caused by the stroke, aiding in treatment planning and prognosis.

Tellica Imaging’s MRIs for Stroke & Neurovascular Assessment

An MRI scan provides exceptionally detailed images of the brain’s intricate structures and the blood vessels that nourish it.

Unlike CT scans, MRI excels at detecting ischemic strokes. By revealing the extent of brain tissue damage and identifying potential complications, MRI plays a crucial role in guiding treatment decisions and predicting recovery outcomes. Additionally, MRI can be enhanced with Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) to visualize blood flow in real-time, offering invaluable insights into the dynamics of the cerebrovascular system.

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)

MRA is a specialized MRI technique that focuses on imaging the blood vessels within the brain and neck. By creating detailed pictures of these vital conduits, MRA can identify blockages, narrowings, or abnormal widenings (aneurysms) in the arteries.

This information is essential for diagnosing and managing conditions such as stroke, carotid artery disease, and brain aneurysms. Additionally, MRA helps assess the overall blood flow to the brain, providing valuable information for treatment planning.

Magnetic Resonance Venography (MRV)

MRV is another MRI-based technique designed to visualize the brain’s venous system. By mapping the brain’s veins, MRV can detect blood clots that may be obstructing blood flow.

This information is crucial for diagnosing conditions such as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, a rare but serious condition that can lead to stroke.

Schedule Your Imaging Test With Tellica Imaging

Early detection and rapid diagnosis are critical in effectively managing stroke and other neurovascular conditions. Remember, time is of the essence when it comes to post-stroke care, and advanced imaging technologies, such as CT scans, MRI, MRA, and MRV, are an indispensable part of the diagnostic process.

At Tellica Imaging, our staff is dedicated to creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for every patient. Additionally, our upfront and transparent pricing eliminates surprise bills, ensuring you can focus on your health.

Visit us at any of our convenient locations and our friendly staff will be glad to answer any questions you may have. Alternatively, call us to schedule an imaging test at any of our locations.