Stroke Evaluation & Treatment at Mayo Clinic

Stroke Evaluation & Treatment provides specialized assessment, diagnosis, emergency management and ongoing care for patients with ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attacks and other cerebrovascular conditions. A multidisciplinary stroke team may use advanced neurological evaluation, brain imaging, vascular testing, medical treatment, procedures, rehabilitation and secondary prevention strategies based on the patient's condition and timing of symptoms.

Price

Price on Request

Why Price on Request?

The cost of stroke evaluation and treatment depends on the type and severity of the stroke, emergency or specialist consultation, brain and vascular imaging, laboratory testing, medications, procedures, hospitalization, intensive care, rehabilitation and follow-up treatment required. A personalized estimate is provided according to the patient's individual medical needs.

Complete Description

What Is Stroke Evaluation & Treatment?

Stroke Evaluation & Treatment focuses on rapidly identifying the type and cause of a stroke and providing appropriate treatment to reduce brain injury and support recovery.

Stroke care may involve neurologists, emergency physicians, neuroradiologists, neurosurgeons, rehabilitation specialists and other medical professionals working together according to the patient's condition.

Types of Stroke Evaluated and Treated

Stroke specialists may evaluate and treat:

• Ischemic stroke

• Hemorrhagic stroke

• Intracerebral hemorrhage

• Subarachnoid hemorrhage

• Transient ischemic attack

• Cerebrovascular disorders

• Carotid artery disease

• Cerebral vascular abnormalities

• Stroke caused by blood clots

• Stroke associated with vascular conditions

• Other neurological vascular emergencies

Stroke Evaluation

A stroke evaluation may include:

• Detailed medical history

• Neurological examination

• Assessment of symptoms

• Evaluation of symptom onset

• Blood pressure measurement

• Blood testing

• Brain imaging

• Vascular imaging

• Heart evaluation when indicated

• Review of medications

• Assessment of stroke risk factors

The goal is to determine whether a stroke has occurred, identify its type and establish the most appropriate treatment strategy.

Recognizing Stroke Symptoms

Stroke symptoms may develop suddenly and can include:

• Facial weakness

• Arm or leg weakness

• Numbness

• Difficulty speaking

• Difficulty understanding speech

• Sudden vision problems

• Severe dizziness

• Loss of balance

• Difficulty walking

• Sudden severe headache

• Confusion

Suspected stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical evaluation.

Ischemic Stroke Treatment

An ischemic stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain becomes blocked.

Treatment may involve:

• Emergency neurological evaluation

• Brain imaging

• Vascular imaging

• Clot-dissolving medication for eligible patients

• Mechanical clot removal for selected patients

• Supportive medical treatment

• Monitoring for complications

• Secondary stroke prevention

Treatment depends heavily on the timing of symptoms and the patient's clinical condition.

Thrombolytic Treatment

Certain eligible patients with ischemic stroke may receive medication designed to dissolve a blood clot.

Treatment eligibility depends on factors such as:

• Time since symptoms began

• Brain imaging results

• Stroke severity

• Medical history

• Risk of bleeding

• Other clinical considerations

Rapid evaluation is important because some stroke treatments are time-sensitive.

Mechanical Thrombectomy

Selected patients with certain types of ischemic stroke caused by a large blood-vessel blockage may be candidates for mechanical thrombectomy.

This procedure uses specialized catheter-based techniques to remove the clot and restore blood flow.

Eligibility depends on:

• Blood vessel involved

• Brain imaging

• Time from symptom onset

• Brain tissue status

• Overall clinical condition

Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatment

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and causes bleeding.

Treatment may involve:

• Blood pressure management

• Reversal of certain blood-thinning medications when appropriate

• Monitoring of brain pressure

• Management of complications

• Neurosurgical evaluation

• Endovascular treatment when indicated

• Rehabilitation

The treatment approach depends on the location and cause of the bleeding.

Intracerebral Hemorrhage Treatment

Intracerebral hemorrhage involves bleeding within the brain tissue.

Management may include:

• Neurological monitoring

• Blood pressure control

• Medication management

• Management of brain swelling

• Neurosurgical assessment

• Minimally invasive or surgical procedures in selected cases

• Rehabilitation

Treatment decisions depend on the size and location of the hemorrhage and the patient's neurological condition.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Treatment

Subarachnoid hemorrhage involves bleeding into the space surrounding the brain.

It may be associated with a ruptured brain aneurysm.

Treatment may include:

• Emergency neurological care

• Brain imaging

• Cerebral angiography

• Aneurysm clipping

• Endovascular aneurysm treatment

• Monitoring for complications

• Intensive neurological care

• Rehabilitation

Urgent evaluation is required for suspected subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Transient Ischemic Attack Evaluation

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) can cause stroke-like symptoms that resolve.

Even when symptoms disappear, urgent evaluation may be important because TIA can indicate an increased risk of future stroke.

Evaluation may include:

• Neurological examination

• Brain imaging

• Vascular imaging

• Heart evaluation

• Blood testing

• Assessment of stroke risk factors

Brain Imaging for Stroke

Brain imaging is an important part of stroke evaluation.

Testing may include:

• CT scan

• CT angiography

• CT perfusion

• MRI

• MR angiography

• Cerebral angiography

Imaging can help determine the type of stroke, identify blocked or damaged blood vessels and evaluate affected brain tissue.

Vascular Imaging

Vascular studies may be used to evaluate blood vessels supplying the brain.

These may include:

• CT angiography

• MR angiography

• Carotid imaging

• Cerebral angiography

• Other specialized vascular studies

Vascular imaging can help identify blockages, aneurysms, vascular malformations and other abnormalities.

Stroke Risk Assessment

Specialists may evaluate risk factors such as:

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

• High cholesterol

• Smoking

• Heart disease

• Atrial fibrillation

• Previous TIA

• Previous stroke

• Carotid artery disease

• Family history

• Other vascular risk factors

Identifying risk factors can help guide prevention strategies.

Cardiac Evaluation After Stroke

Some strokes may be associated with heart conditions or abnormal heart rhythms.

Depending on the clinical situation, evaluation may include:

• Electrocardiogram

• Heart rhythm monitoring

• Echocardiography

• Other cardiac testing

The purpose is to identify potential sources of blood clots or other cardiovascular causes.

Stroke Prevention

After a stroke or TIA, treatment may focus on reducing the risk of another stroke.

Prevention strategies may include:

• Blood pressure management

• Cholesterol management

• Diabetes control

• Medication management

• Smoking cessation

• Physical activity

• Healthy nutrition

• Weight management

• Treatment of heart rhythm disorders

• Management of carotid disease when appropriate

The prevention plan is individualized according to the cause and risk factors.

Medication Management After Stroke

Depending on the type and cause of stroke, medications may include:

• Antiplatelet medications

• Anticoagulant medications

• Cholesterol-lowering medications

• Blood pressure medications

• Diabetes medications

• Other preventive medications

Medication selection depends on the patient's diagnosis and individual risk factors.

Carotid Artery Disease Evaluation

Narrowing of the carotid arteries can increase the risk of ischemic stroke.

Evaluation may include:

• Carotid ultrasound

• CT angiography

• MR angiography

• Neurological assessment

• Vascular consultation

Selected patients may require procedures to reduce the risk of future stroke.

Neurosurgical Stroke Treatment

Certain stroke conditions may require neurosurgical evaluation.

Surgical or procedural treatment may be considered for:

• Brain hemorrhage

• Brain swelling

• Certain aneurysms

• Vascular malformations

• Hydrocephalus associated with bleeding

• Other serious cerebrovascular conditions

The appropriate treatment depends on the underlying condition.

Endovascular Stroke Treatment

Endovascular procedures use catheter-based techniques to treat certain vascular conditions.

They may be used for:

• Mechanical thrombectomy

• Brain aneurysm treatment

• Selected vascular malformations

• Other cerebrovascular procedures

The treatment depends on the patient's vascular anatomy and diagnosis.

Stroke Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is an important part of recovery for many stroke patients.

Rehabilitation may include:

• Physical therapy

• Occupational therapy

• Speech therapy

• Balance training

• Walking rehabilitation

• Strength training

• Coordination exercises

• Cognitive rehabilitation

• Swallowing therapy

The rehabilitation plan is based on the patient's neurological deficits and recovery goals.

Physical Rehabilitation After Stroke

Physical therapy may help address:

• Weakness

• Walking difficulties

• Balance problems

• Muscle stiffness

• Coordination difficulties

• Reduced mobility

• Fall risk

Therapy focuses on improving safe movement and functional independence.

Speech and Language Rehabilitation

Stroke can affect speech, language and communication.

Speech-language therapy may address:

• Difficulty speaking

• Difficulty understanding language

• Word-finding problems

• Communication difficulties

• Cognitive-communication problems

Swallowing assessment and treatment may also be provided when clinically necessary.

Occupational Therapy After Stroke

Occupational therapy may help patients regain independence with:

• Dressing

• Eating

• Personal care

• Household activities

• Work-related activities

• Hand function

• Daily routines

Therapy is tailored to the patient's functional limitations.

Cognitive Rehabilitation

Some stroke survivors experience difficulties involving:

• Memory

• Attention

• Concentration

• Problem-solving

• Planning

• Processing speed

Cognitive rehabilitation may help patients develop strategies to manage these challenges and improve daily functioning.

Stroke Recovery

Stroke recovery varies according to:

• Type of stroke

• Location of brain injury

• Stroke severity

• Speed of treatment

• Age and overall health

• Neurological deficits

• Rehabilitation participation

• Other medical conditions

Recovery may continue over weeks, months or longer, depending on the individual.

Long-Term Stroke Care

Long-term stroke management may include:

• Neurological follow-up

• Medication monitoring

• Risk-factor management

• Rehabilitation

• Physical activity planning

• Cognitive assessment

• Communication support

• Prevention of recurrent stroke

Ongoing care is individualized according to the patient's condition and recovery.

Stroke Second Opinion

Patients who have received a stroke diagnosis or treatment recommendation may seek a stroke specialist second opinion.

The specialist may review:

• MRI scans

• CT scans

• Vascular imaging

• Angiography

• Neurology reports

• Hospital records

• Medication history

• Previous treatment

• Rehabilitation records

A second opinion may help clarify the diagnosis, cause and future treatment strategy.

Multidisciplinary Stroke Care

Complex stroke cases may require collaboration among:

• Stroke neurologists

• Neurosurgeons

• Neurointerventional specialists

• Neuroradiologists

• Emergency physicians

• Rehabilitation specialists

• Physical therapists

• Occupational therapists

• Speech therapists

• Cardiologists

• Other medical professionals

A multidisciplinary approach supports coordinated diagnosis, acute treatment, rehabilitation and prevention.

International Patients

International patients should provide relevant medical documentation whenever possible.

Useful records may include:

• Neurology reports

• MRI scans

• CT scans

• CT angiography

• MR angiography

• Cerebral angiography

• Cardiac testing

• Laboratory results

• Medication list

• Hospital discharge summaries

• Rehabilitation records

Complete medical information can help specialists evaluate the patient's previous stroke and treatment.

Benefits of Specialized Stroke Care

Specialized stroke care may help:

• Identify the type of stroke

• Determine the cause of stroke

• Provide time-sensitive treatment

• Evaluate blocked blood vessels

• Treat selected vascular conditions

• Reduce the risk of recurrent stroke

• Support neurological recovery

• Provide structured rehabilitation

• Manage stroke-related complications

• Develop individualized prevention plans

Why Choose Mayo Clinic for Stroke Evaluation & Treatment?

Mayo Clinic provides specialized stroke evaluation and treatment through multidisciplinary teams that may include stroke neurologists, neuroradiologists, neurosurgeons, neurointerventional specialists and rehabilitation professionals.

Depending on the patient's condition, care may include advanced brain and vascular imaging, emergency stroke treatment, endovascular procedures, neurosurgical evaluation, rehabilitation and long-term stroke prevention.

Cost & Price on Request

Price: Price on Request

The total cost of stroke evaluation and treatment depends on the type and severity of the stroke and the level of care required.

Potential costs may include:

• Stroke consultation

• Emergency neurological evaluation

• CT or MRI imaging

• Vascular imaging

• Laboratory testing

• Cardiac testing

• Thrombolytic treatment

• Mechanical thrombectomy

• Neurosurgical procedures

• Hospitalization

• Intensive care

• Rehabilitation

• Follow-up consultations

A personalized cost estimate should be requested according to the patient's individual treatment requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of stroke are treated?

Stroke specialists may evaluate and treat ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attacks and other cerebrovascular conditions.

2. Is stroke treatment an emergency?

Yes. Suspected stroke requires immediate medical evaluation, because some treatments are time-sensitive and early treatment can be important.

3. What tests are used to diagnose stroke?

Stroke evaluation may include CT, MRI, CT angiography, MR angiography, cerebral angiography, blood tests and cardiac evaluation depending on the patient's condition.

4. Can a blood clot in the brain be removed?

Selected patients with certain large-vessel ischemic strokes may be candidates for mechanical thrombectomy, a catheter-based procedure used to remove a blood clot.

5. Can hemorrhagic stroke require surgery?

Yes. Selected hemorrhagic strokes may require neurosurgical or endovascular treatment, depending on the cause, location and severity of the bleeding.

Product Details

Product Name: Stroke Evaluation & Treatment

Hospital: Mayo Clinic – Rochester

Brand: Mayo Clinic

Country: United States

Specialty: Neurology & Neurosurgery

Service Type: Stroke Evaluation & Treatment

Customer-Facing Price: Price on Request

International Patients: Available

Location: Rochester, Minnesota, USA