
Will A TIA Or A Stroke Always Show Up On A CT Scan After It Has Occurred?

Symptoms would occur, changes can be seen in most cases
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
A stroke occurs when either a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or it blocks up and causes damage to the area of the brain that the blood vessel supplies.
These changes would show up on a CT or an MRI. If an MRI is done soon after symptoms of TIA (within 24 hours), then changes may also be seen on imaging.
Symptoms are usually present in persons with a stroke or TIA. Both conditions cause injury or damage to an area of the brain though the TIA is not as serious as a stroke since the damage is not as severe. Since an area is deprived of blood supply, it would cause symptoms.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions.
Thank you.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James
General & Family Physician


It is very unusual
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
A stroke would normally show up on MRI in the majority of persons. If she had symptoms of a stroke and no changes, this would be very rare. It can occur but it is very unusual.
Normally, stroke symptoms last more than 24 hours, this is how it is differentiated from a TIA where the symptoms last a short period of time. If there are no symptoms after a 24 hour period, then the diagnosis of stroke would have to be queried.
Hope I have answered your query.
Thank you.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James
General & Family Physician

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