What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted causing brain damage and its associated signs.

This is usually caused by a blockage of a brain blood vessel or bleeding when a brain blood vessel bursts. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain and this is essential for its normal function. When the blood supply is cut off, brain cells die and this causes the signs of stroke.

What are the signs of stroke?

The most common signs of a stroke are sudden drooping of one side of the face, weakness of one side of the body and difficulty speaking or understanding speech.

A stroke may also cause numbness on one side of the body, loss of balance or incoordination, double vision, difficulty seeing with one or both eyes and severe headache.

The mnemonic F.A.S.T. can help you remember how to recognise the important signs of a stroke. Learn about F.A.S.T. here.

FACE – Is it drooping on one side?
ARMS – Can they lift both arms and keep them there?
SPEECH – Does it sound strange or unclear?
TIME – Call 995 immediately if you spot any of those signs.

Types of Imaging Scans that can detect if you are at risk of Stroke

• MRI Stroke Screen
• MRI Brain
• MRA Carotid
• CT Brain
• CTA Brain and Carotid
• Ultrasound Carotid

A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is blocked. The blockage is most often a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances, which form a plaque in the arteries that feed the heart (coronary arteries).

The plaque eventually breaks away and forms a clot. The interrupted blood flow can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle.

A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, can be fatal, but treatment has improved dramatically over the years. It’s crucial to call 911 or emergency medical help if you think you might be having a heart attack.

Investigations for the Heart

• MRA Coronary
• MRI Cardiac Function
• CTA Coronary
• CTA Pulmonary Arteries
• CTA Peripheral Arteries
• Ultrasound 2D Echocardiogram
• Treadmill & ECG