(Best Syndication News) - A study from the University of Calgary Hotchkiss Brain Institute demonstrated that using CT scans could help predict if a transient ischemic attack (TIA) could be at risk for a more serious stroke. The information gained from CT scans may help improve how doctors treat patients in preventing future strokes with appropriate medication and care.

Doctors currently determine if a patient is at risk for another stroke by using MRI brain scans. However, not every medical facility may have MRI equipment. What is usually available is a CT scan. The researchers wanted to see if CT scans could be used in the same way that MRI equipment is used to measure future stroke risks.

Lead researcher, Dr. Shelagh Coutts, a member of the HBI, associate professor in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences along with colleagues were able to visualize blood vessel function from the heart to the brain by using dye during a CT scan. If the patients showed signs of blockage or narrowed vessels, they were at a higher risk for a recurring stroke. They concluded that their CT angiogram scan was just as accurate at predicting a future stroke as a MRI scan.

The study was published in the February issue of the journal Stroke.

By: Marsha Quinn
Health Reporter