My understanding is that a catscan must be done within 24 hours of a TIA in order for it to show up because it doesn't cause permanent damage.

I think that MRIs are more detailed than catscans. And a catscan with dye is more detailed than a catscan.

I read a bit about your situation on your page... If things flare up you should go right away to the ER to be tested with any or all of the above...

Are you on birth control pills? That can be a risk factor for strokes.

I hope you find some answers... All the best.

~ Chelsey

After my last episode i went straight upto the hospital i had an ECG but they didn`t run ant blood tests or offer any scans .In the uk the national health isn`t as good as it should be with all the cut backs so you don`t always feel adequately dealt with. thanks for your info -- dogs5--

I don't know what a TIA is ... but my Mom had a stroke a week ago. They did a CT scan and found nothing. She also has a brain tumor. The doctor told me when they did the MRI it would show more. He said a CT scan shows more of the soft tissue where a MRI shows the circulatory images. That way they can see if there is blockage.

i believe an EEG can detect such things as seizures and a past stroke at least mine did anyway hope you find out what you need to know for your safety good luck take care of yourself

I've had two strokes, a boatload of CTs and MRIs, and a good few Angios as well. The angio shows the most, followed by the MRI and then the CT shows the least. I don't know the exact difference between the CT and MRI but I know the MRI shows more.

My last bleed was while I was on vacation; I told my wife to call an ambulance to get me to the "Easy Bake Oven," my affectionate name for the CT machine. That confirmed the stroke WHILE it was happening.

Good luck.