Stroke (Cerebro-vascular Accident or CVA) is a major cause of death and disability, particularly in the elderly. The causes are vascular, due to a narrowing or blockage of a neck or brain artery, or rupture of a brain Aneurysm or Vascular Malformation.
There are frequently no symptoms until a significant event occurs.
The Brain For Life Angiogram Scans provide a non-invasive, highly accurate assessment of the neck arteries (Carotid and Vertebral) which carry blood to the brain; as well as the brain arteries themselves. Narrowings, cholesterol deposists (plaques), Aneurysms and vessel Malformations can all be reliably detected within these critical arteries.The MRI Scan is the most sensitive brain tissue examination available, detecting early Brain Tumours, Strokes, Multiple Sclerosis and other cerebral pathology.
Unlike traditional invasive (tube) Angiograms, no groin incision or insertion of catheter tubes into the brain or neck arteries themselves are required, and thus these invasive risks are now excluded.
Brain and Neck MRI Angiogram Scans
The Brain and Neck MRI Angiogram Scans are highly accurate non-invasive tests to detect abnormalities of the arteries supplying the brain (carotid and vertebral arteries) and within the brain itself. The Scan asseses the arteries for narrowings (stenosis), cholesterol deposits (plaque), bulging of the artery wall (Aneurysm), or blood vessels Malformations (AVM).
The Scans are non-invasive, safe, rapid and painless. The entire process takes less than 30 minutes.
Theses scans are zero X-ray dose scans that use a harmless magnetic field.
The Brain and Neck CT Angiogram Scans are the highest resolution non-invasive angiograms available to detect abnormalities of the arteries supplying the brain (carotid and vertebral arteries) and within the brain itself. The Scan asseses the arteries for narrowings (stenosis), cholesterol deposits (plaque), bulging of the artery wall (Aneurysm), or blood vessels Malformations (AVM).
The CT Angiogram scans are appropriate in the diagnostic (referral) situation.
Preparation for the Scans:
None.
Requirements for the Scan:
For the CT Scans, you will receive an injection of safe IV Contrast during the Scan. This is known as x-ray “dye” and contains Iodine. It is administered via a standard IV line (“drip”). Scan for Life™ uses the latest contrast agent which is extremely safe.
For the MRI Scans, you may require safe oral or short acting IV sedation if you are very claustrophobic. There is no X-ray “dye” (contrast) administration.
Brain MRI Scan
This MRI brain scan is appropriate in a diagnsostic (referral) situation.
The Brain MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Scan, is the most accurate assessment of the brain tissue and the orbits, for all structural brain abnormalities including early Brain Tumours, minute Strokes, Multiple sclerosis and other brain conditions.
It is non-invasive, painless and completely safe, with no radiation. The entire process takes less than 20 minutes.
A Brain and Neck MR Angiogram Scan of the brain and neck arteries can be performed at the same time to assess the arteries (see the Brain and Neck Angiogram Scans).
Preparation for the Scans:
None.
Requirements for the Scan:
For the MRI Scans, you may require safe oral or short acting IV sedation if you are very claustrophobic. There is no X-ray “dye” (contrast) administration.
Neck Colour Doppler Scan
This screening scan uses a special form of Sonar or Ultrasound to assess blood flow in the neck arteries (Carotid and Vertebral) supplying the brain, for narrowings (stenosis) or blockages (occlusion).
The Scan is completely harmless and painless, with no radiation or needle or contrast. It takes less than 15 minutes.
It is however not as accurate as the Neck Angiogram Scan and is unable to assess the brain arteries themselves.
The Scan process:
You lie on an examination couch in a darkened room while a sonar probe is passed painlessly and harmlessly over the arteries of the neck.
Preparation for the Scans:
None.
Requirements for the Scan:
None.
Ranks as the third major cause of death (after Heart Disease and Cancer), accounting for more than 1 in every 15 deaths.
8-15% of ischaemic stroke victims and 38% of haemorrhagic stroke victims die within 30 days.
“Mini-strokes” (TIA’s) carry a significant short term risk of major stroke events – 10% within 3 months.
After a Stroke or Mini-Stroke, 14% will have another within a year; and 22% of men and 25% of women will die within a year.
15 – 30% of stroke survivors are permanently disabled and 20% require institutional care.
Source: The American Stroke Association
How often must the Brain For Life Scans be performed?
In the vast majority of people, it is a once off Scan.
Who should consider the Brain for Life Scans?
Men and women 40 – 50 years or older, if there are 3 or more of the following risk factors:
- Positive Family History of brain (cerebral) aneyrysms.
- Smoker or previous significant smoking history.
- High Blood Pressure.
- High Cholesterol.
- Diabetes.
- Overweight.
- Excess alcohol intake.
- Sedentary and inactive lifestyle.
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