Researchers have developed a new method of examining the blood vessels in the brain that can predict the risk of stroke. The test uses a combination of MRI and contrast agent injections to create detailed images of the brain’s blood vessels.

This method is significantly more accurate than previous methods and has the potential to save lives by identifying those at highest risk of stroke.

What is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to an area of the brain is interrupted or reduced. This can happen when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or ruptured, causing brain cells to die.

Strokes can lead to paralysis, speech difficulties, and in severe cases, death.

Current Methods of Assessing Stroke Risk

Currently, doctors use a number of methods to assess a patient’s risk of stroke. These include measuring blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and conducting various physical examinations.

However, these methods can only provide a general indication of stroke risk, and are not always accurate.

The New Method

The new method, developed by researchers from the University of Oxford, uses MRI scans and the injection of a contrast agent to produce detailed images of the blood vessels in the brain.

The contrast agent is ingested by the patient and then absorbed by the blood vessels, creating a clearer image of the vessels than would otherwise be possible.

Using these detailed images, doctors can assess the condition of the blood vessels in the brain, looking for signs of damage or blockages that could increase the risk of stroke.

The test is significantly more accurate than previous methods, and has the potential to save lives by identifying those at highest risk of stroke.

The Benefits of the New Method

There are many benefits to the new method of assessing stroke risk. Firstly, it is significantly more accurate than previous methods, meaning that doctors can identify those at highest risk of stroke with greater confidence.

This allows them to take appropriate measures to reduce the risk of stroke, such as prescribing medication or recommending lifestyle changes.

Secondly, the new method is non-invasive and relatively quick, meaning that it can be performed on a large number of patients without causing too much disruption to their daily lives.

This means that doctors can identify those at high risk of stroke earlier, potentially reducing the number of strokes that occur each year.

Conclusion

The new method of assessing stroke risk using MRI scans and contrast agent injections is a significant step forward in the fight against stroke.

By providing doctors with more accurate information about a patient’s risk of stroke, this method has the potential to save lives and reduce the number of strokes that occur each year.

If you are concerned about your risk of stroke, it’s important to speak to your doctor. They can assess your risk using a number of methods, including the new MRI scan method.