Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, often stemming from silent damage to cerebral blood vessels over many years. A brain MRI is a crucial tool for the early detection of brain and cerebral vessel lesions. With high resolution, MRI can identify small cerebral infarctions, transient cerebral ischemia, white matter lesions, or microbleeds – all potential indicators of future stroke risk. These subtle lesions are often asymptomatic and challenging to detect during routine examinations.
Currently, 1,5 Tesla and 3 Tesla MRI systems provide detailed brain and blood vessel images, assisting doctors in accurately assessing the extent of damage. This allows them to develop appropriate monitoring and risk factor control plans for each patient. In addition to a brain MRI, doctors may order a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to detect early narrowing, blockage, aneurysm, or malformation of cerebral blood vessels – potential causes of ischemic stroke.
In situations requiring rapid assessment or suspicion of cerebral hemorrhage, patients may undergo a CT scan. Modern CT systems with many slices help quickly detect hematomas and acute brain lesions, assisting doctors in making early treatment decisions. Subsequently, MRI images provide more detailed information on the extent and severity of brain damage.
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A 3 Tesla MRI helps screen for and detect early stroke risks. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital |
Minh Tuan, you are in a high-risk group given your prolonged high blood pressure and transient neurological symptoms like headaches and dizziness. You should consult a doctor for a thorough check-up to identify the cause and receive appropriate treatment. Based on your condition, the doctor will recommend a suitable stroke screening package. This typically includes blood lipid tests, blood sugar tests, blood pressure measurement, an electrocardiogram (ECG), an echocardiogram, and a carotid artery ultrasound, combined with brain and cerebral vessel MRI. Cases with higher risk may require additional specialized diagnostic techniques.
Detecting stroke risk before complications arise helps control risk factors, reducing the likelihood of future strokes. If suspected stroke symptoms appear, such as facial drooping, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, or altered consciousness, the patient needs to go to a medical facility capable of stroke emergency care as soon as possible to receive treatment during the "golden hour".
Dr. Nguyen Huu Khanh, Specialist Doctor I
Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Center
Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City
Readers can submit questions about neurological conditions here for doctors to answer.
