A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a certain area of the brain is disrupted. When certain parts of the brain are denied blood flow, body function, thought processes, and communication can be affected. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and is the leading cause of disability. Reducing the risk of vascular disease can greatly decrease the likelihood of a stroke.

There are two primary types of stoke, ischemic and hemorrhagic. An Ischemic stroke is the result of a blood clot or thrombus obstructing the vessel and causing lack of blood to a region of brain tissue. This tissue begins to degenerate without the necessary blood supply. Bleeding into the brain by a breakage in a blood vessel can cause a Hemorrhagic stroke. This produces too much blood for the brain tissue, leading to cellular damage.

Inland Imaging Neuroradiologists have several imaging tests and their discretion to either detect the risk of a stroke or examine and provide treatment options the post-stroke symptoms. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), and Vascular Ultrasound are great imaging tools to better diagnose problems associated with stroke.

Procedures

MRI

MRI uses a combination of radio waves and a magnetic field to obtain remarkably detailed images. MRI images of the neck and spine are clearer and more detailed than other imaging methods, enabling the detection of abnormalities that might be obscured by bone on a CT or x-ray.

MRA

An MR angiography (MRA) is an MRI that may be ordered to study the blood vessels and aid in the treatment of brain disorders, stroke, and blood vessel disease. After detection, patients with arterial disease can now even have treatment in the radiology department rather than undergoing surgery in an operating room.

MRA can be used to screen asymptomatic patients with a family history of arterial aneurysm, a ballooning of a vessel wall, and if an aneurysm is found, it can often be treated before serious bleeding occurs.

MRS

Another application of MRI technology is the use of MR spectroscopy (MRS). This technique generates a representation of the chemical composition of a region of the brain rather than producing an image. MRS is a special technique used to characterize the biochemistry of tumors, infarcts, and other pathology. It can be a useful addition to conventional MRI to distinguish tumors, strokes, and other disease.

CT

A CT uses a special x-ray technique to obtain multiple images from different angles and then joins them together using advanced computer technology to show 2 dimensional and even 3 dimensional images of the spine.

CTA

Inland Imaging has the unique advantage of offering a CTA or Computed Tomography Angiography to visualize blood flow in arteries and veins throughout the body. This exam is used to screen patients for arterial disease and identify aneurysms or vascular malformations. CT angiography is increasingly employed in the evaluation of patients with acute stroke and produce even more detailed images than MRA.

CT Perfusion

CT perfusion is a technique that evaluates blood flow to the brain and allows neuroradiologists to detect portions of the brain with impaired blood flow. The CT perfusion test is most often used in providing critical information on acute stroke patients.

Vascular Ultrasound

A vascular ultrasound may be ordered to examine blood vessel health or evaluate the presence of arterial plaque. This painless test does not submit the patient to radiation, but rather uses sound waves to generate an image of vascular structures and evaluate risk for vascular disease.

Interventional Radiology

In some cases, an interventional radiology procedure may be needed to treat a variety of disorders associated with stroke without surgery. Through the use of x-rays or other imaging techniques, interventional radiologists are able to open arteries when narrowed or occluded.