<s>[INST] HOW IS A STROKE DIAGNOSED? [/INST] When a patient suspected of having a stroke arrives at the hospital, brain scans (typically either a CT scan or an MRI) will be taken in order to determine whether the stroke is an ischaemic stroke (caused by a blockage) or a haemorrhagic stroke (caused by a burst blood vessel).  The scan will also help the doctors to establish how severe the stroke is and which area(s) of the brain have been affected.

Given the urgency of the situation the hospital will aim to ensure the scan is carried out within an hour of the patient arriving.  Other investigations such as blood pressure checks and blood tests will also likely be carried out. Source: ENABLE LAW . Link: https://www.enablelaw.com/news/expert-opinion/10-frequently-asked-questions-about-strokes/. Field: Neurology. Disease: Stroke </s>