Stroke Screening

When a stroke is suspected or has just occurred, urgent imaging tests such as a brain CT or MRI are used to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is caused by a blockage or bleeding. For assessing long-term risk, other tests such as blood tests, electrocardiograms, carotid ultrasounds, and echocardiograms help identify conditions like high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, or narrowed arteries. Consulting a doctor can guide which tests are most suitable for your individual risk factors.

The warning signs of a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), or mini stroke, include sudden weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, vision changes, dizziness or loss of balance, and severe headache. Because symptoms resolve quickly, medical evaluation is needed to confirm a TIA. Tests such as brain imaging, carotid ultrasound, or ECG may be used to find the underlying cause. Anyone with these symptoms should seek urgent medical attention.

An electrocardiogram (ECG) cannot directly detect a stroke, but it records heart rhythms that may increase stroke risk. For example, atrial fibrillation is a common irregular rhythm that can lead to clots travelling to the brain. An ECG is therefore often included in stroke risk screening as it helps uncover conditions linked to future stroke. Further imaging tests are required to confirm or rule out an actual stroke.

Stress does not directly cause a stroke, but long-term stress may contribute to risk factors such as high blood pressure, unhealthy lifestyle habits, and heart disease. These conditions increase the likelihood of stroke over time. Occasional stress alone is unlikely to cause immediate harm, but managing chronic stress through exercise, sleep, and healthy coping strategies can support overall cardiovascular health.

The five common warning signs of a stroke are sudden numbness or weakness, confusion or difficulty speaking, vision changes, loss of balance or coordination, and severe headache. These symptoms occur when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. Immediate medical attention is essential if any of these signs appear, even if they resolve quickly, as prompt treatment can improve outcomes and reduce long-term complications.

The main causes of stroke are blocked blood vessels, leading to ischaemic stroke, or ruptured blood vessels, resulting in haemorrhagic stroke. Common risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation, obesity, and family history. These conditions damage blood vessels or promote clot formation, which interferes with normal blood flow to the brain. Managing these risks lowers the likelihood of stroke.

Stroke screening is often recommended from middle age onwards, especially for people with risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, or family history of stroke. While younger adults may not need routine screening, those with multiple risks may benefit from earlier assessment. Consulting a doctor can help determine the most appropriate age and frequency for screening based on your personal health profile and lifestyle.

A silent stroke does not cause noticeable symptoms, but small areas of brain damage may still occur and be detected on imaging tests such as MRI. Over time, multiple silent strokes can affect memory, thinking, and coordination. Because they go unnoticed, silent strokes highlight the importance of screening for risk factors like high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation, which can increase the likelihood of both silent and symptomatic strokes.

The FAST test is a simple way to recognise stroke symptoms quickly. It stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call emergency services. If someone shows any of these signs, urgent medical care is needed. The test helps both the public and healthcare providers act quickly, as timely treatment is crucial for reducing complications and improving recovery outcomes in stroke patients.

There is no single symptom that reliably predicts a stroke a month in advance, but some people experience warning signs such as transient ischaemic attacks (mini-strokes), brief episodes of dizziness, numbness, or vision problems. These episodes should not be ignored, as they may signal underlying vascular problems. Regular screening and medical evaluation are important if such symptoms occur, since early intervention can lower the risk of a future stroke.