One in four people in their lifetime are likely to experience a stroke. That’s a sobering statistic. But with regular stroke screening, you can take proactive steps toward maintaining long-term health and preventing severe outcomes. At The Vascular and Interventional Centre, we are committed to providing expertise and quality in vascular care. This blog post will guide you through stroke screening, its importance, and what it entails here in Singapore.
Why Stroke Screening Matters
Stroke screening is vital for identifying risk factors and early signs of cardiovascular issues that could lead to a stroke. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients. This can result in permanent brain damage or death. Early detection through regular screenings enables timely intervention, allowing individuals to take preventive measures such as lifestyle changes, medication, or surgical interventions to reduce their stroke risk. I believe that being informed is the first step towards better health!
Types of Stroke
Understanding the different types of stroke is crucial for effective prevention and management:
- Ischemic Stroke: This is the most common type, caused by a blood clot blocking an artery in the brain, reducing blood flow and oxygen.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke: This occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding, usually due to high blood pressure or aneurysms.
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Also known as a “mini-stroke,” a TIA is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, with symptoms similar to a stroke but lasting only minutes to hours. TIAs are warning signs of a future stroke.
Who Should Consider Stroke Screening?
Stroke screening is best suited for individuals who are at high risk of a stroke or are showing some pre-warning symptoms. Some risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and a family history of stroke.
What Does Stroke Screening Involve?
Stroke screening typically involves several components:
- Medical History and Examination: A doctor will ask about your medical history and check your blood pressure, alertness, vision, coordination, reflexes, and muscle strength.
- Blood Tests: Blood samples are taken to check blood glucose and cholesterol levels, identify blood clotting factors, and detect any infections.
- Medical Imaging: Scans of the brain and blood vessels may be ordered:
- Brain CT Scan: This can help detect bleeding, ischemic stroke, tumors, or other medical conditions.
- Brain MRI: This uses magnetic and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain to detect any damaged brain tissues.
- Cerebral Angiogram: This procedure uses a special dye and X-rays to evaluate blood vessel issues in the brain, detecting any narrowing or abnormality affecting the carotid artery.
- Carotid Ultrasound: This ultrasound procedure detects fatty deposits in the carotid arteries in the neck, which supply blood to the brain and face.
- Echocardiogram: This uses sound waves to create images of the heart to find blood clots that may have dislodged and traveled to the brain.
- CT Coronary Angiogram: An additional screening method.
- CT Calcium Score: An additional screening method.
- Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT): An additional screening method.
Understanding Medical Imaging Costs
The cost of medical imaging for stroke screening in Singapore varies depending on the hospital or healthcare facility. Here’s a general guide to estimated imaging costs:
| Medical Imaging | Estimated Cost (SGD) |
| Brain CT Scan | From S$500 |
| Brain MRI | From S$900 |
| Cerebral Angiogram | From S$1,400 |
| Carotid Ultrasound | From S$250 |
| Echocardiogram | From S$400 |
Note: Check with your chosen clinic for actual pricing.
The Role of Vascular and Interventional Centre
At Vascular and Interventional Centre (VIC), our specialists work as a collaborative multi-specialty team to offer patients seamless care from consultation and diagnosis to procedure and recovery at one location. We are dedicated to the comprehensive care and management of conditions relating to the vascular, circulatory, and lymphatic systems. We also address vascular malformation with expertise.
Addressing Vascular Malformations
A vascular malformation is an abnormal growth of arteries, veins, and/or lymphatic vessels that can occur anywhere in the body. Our special interest lies in the treatment of brain aneurysms, stroke, and vascular malformation. We are committed to providing comprehensive care for vascular malformation and other vascular conditions.
Prevention is Key
Regular health screenings and early detection of risk factors are crucial in preventing stroke. Incorporating stroke screening into your healthcare routine is a proactive step toward maintaining long-term health and preventing severe outcomes.
If you’re unsure which screenings are appropriate for you, consult a doctor to discuss the best approach. Contact us for an appointment with our healthcare partners to get screened for stroke.