The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually administered to people without current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions.

Screening Guidelines or Tests

There are no screening guidelines for stroke and no tests designed to detect a stroke before you experience symptoms. A stroke comes on too quickly. However, at a routine physical exam, your healthcare provider performs some screening tests to detect conditions that increase your risk of stroke and heart disease. These include blood pressure measurement, cholesterol tests, and glucose tests (for diabetes).

In certain high risk populations, a carotid ultrasound, EKG, and echocardiogram may be used to determine if you are at increased risk for having a stroke. Since these tests are performed selectively, they are not considered screening tests, but may be useful in patients who have had transient stroke-like events (transient ischemic attacks).