brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Diagnosis of Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging A blood test to measure blood sugar Blood tests to determine whether blood is clotting normally Doctors can usually suspect intracerebral hemorrhage based on symptoms and results of a physical examination. The blood sugar level is measured immediately because a low blood sugar level can cause symptoms similar to those of stroke. Blood tests are also done to measure the number of platelets (which help blood clot) and to determine how long it takes blood to clot. A low number of platelets (platelet count) can increase the risk of bleeding. Blood clotting may be affected by a dose ofwarfarinthat is too high, liver failure, or other disorders. Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is done immediately to confirm the diagnosis. Both tests can help doctors distinguish a hemorrhagic stroke from an ischemic stroke. The tests can also show how much brain tissue has been damaged and whether pressure is increased in other areas of the brain. Doctors sometimes do CT angiography (CT done after a contrast agent is injected into a vein) to determine whether the hemorrhage is due to a specific abnormality in a blood vessel, such as an aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation. 