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CT scans use ionizing radiation to create images of internal organs. Millions of CT scans are done every year to help detect diseases such as strokes. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to all or part of the brain is interrupted.

Strokes are commonly caused by atherosclerosis, dissections and vasculitis. A dissection is the tearing of the wall of the artery. This creates a false channel and can slow blood flow through the normal channel. Vasculitis is inflammation of the vessel wall which can also slow or stop blood flow.

Many small strokes can be "silent" and not noticed or detected by a physical exam. Some strokes quickly resolve on their own and the patient has no neurological deficits. These are called TIAs (transient ischemic attacks). Many strokes are devastating leaving patients with weakness, paralysis, and difficulties with speech and daily living activities.

Stroke symptoms can include:

• Weakness
• Slurred speech
• Tingling/numbness
• Droopy face
• Dizziness/vertigo

The first line in diagnosing a stroke is the physical exam ususally done in the ER by an ER physician and sometimes a Neurologist. Stroke patients may then get a CT scan of the Brain (Head) to confirm the diagnosis or look for other causes of the symptoms (such as a bleed or tumor).

A CT scan of the brain is a very good and vital tool in early diagnosis of strokes. The test is fast and accurate. That said, very early strokes or tiny strokes might not be seen by CT. In these cases, an MRI is much more sensitive. MRI scans though take a long time to do and there is limited availability particularly in the middle of the night. In stroke diagnosis and treatment time is of the essence.

There are new types of CT scanners which can give even more accurate information regarding strokes. These scanners can do what are called "perfusion studies". That is they can tell what parts of the brain have reduced blood flow and are at risk for a larger stroke. However, these scans do require IV dye and deliver higher doses of radiation.

Medical technology plays an important role in stroke diagnosis. But the key to stroke treatment is recognizing the signs and symptoms of a stroke and getting to an ER as fast as possible for treatment.

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