Stroke Screening

Stroke is due to the sudden loss of blood flow to part of the brain by obstruction of flow due to:

1. Severe narrowing of an artery to the brain with gradual decrease in flow until there a critical level is reached and brain tissue cannot function normally and dies. The narrowing is caused by arteriosclerosis. This means that a combination of piles of debris(plaque) composed of cholesterol and other substances have built up to narrow the arteries gradually. When there is narrowing to 90% or more, the blood flow is cut down so much that nutrition of part of the brain suddenly stops and that section of the brain dies.
2. The cholesterol pileup (plaque) is not markedly enlarged but there is a break off of a small piece of debris (plaque) which can go up to the brain and cause a stroke. This is where aspirin and other antiplatelet drugs are preventative. If the ICA/ECA screen is abnormal, a full carotid sonogram is indicated.

Ankle Brachial Index:

Measures circulation at the ankles by comparing blood pressure at the ankle with the arm. If this ratio is abnormal or the vessels are rigid, the leg circulation may be inadequate and should be further evaluated.

Abdominal Aorta:

This is the large vessel that carries blood from the heart to the chest and abdomen before it splits to go into the legs. This vessel supplies blood to the internal organs. In the abdomen, the aorta can become enlarged like a balloon and be subject to sudden rupture with internal bleeding and death.