23Dec/103
What test would show if there is adequate blood flow to the brain ?
I've been having very low blood pressure, and have noticed lately I can't think straight and laugh/smile when I dont mean do. I think that there is some kind of brain injury from having it so low for so long. What test would show if my brain is getting enough blood flow?
December 23rd, 2010 - 20:14
Consult a Neurologist to check your position and decide.
Don’t assume any thing in which you have no knowledge.
December 23rd, 2010 - 20:59
An arterial doppler test would be a good start.
However, specific (and much more expensive) neuroimaging to test for ischemic states in the brain would be fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and/or PET scans (Positron Emission Tomography).
Any brain damage from prolonged ischemic states in the brain (lack of oxygen due to blood flow) will generally be permanent. However, if you have a condition of chronic low flow to the brain .. cognitive impairment is drastically improved with improvement in the blood flow. Whether it is a clot/embolism or other vascular situation.
There is nothing ‘cheap’ to test the flow.
However the brain is resilient — if oxygen is low due to low flow.. it will double the blood output to the brain.. if this compensatory effort doesn’t alleviate the situation then there is nothing more the body can do. This is why low blood flow (chronic) causing cognitive issues is not incredibly common. Usually it is either a flow issue that results in fainting/coma or at least very serious and unavoidable neurological symptoms that would warrant immediate medical help/attention.
With the low blood pressure alone you need to see your doctor very soon.. the sooner the better. This alone is dangerous,.. mention your cognitive impairment and give a sense of urgency (one in which any reasonable doctor would already have) to ensure your cardiovascular/cerebral function is working properly.
Good luck,
December 23rd, 2010 - 21:40
its not a brain test you need its perhaps blood pressure tablets you should ask about which will help make sure your blood pressure doesnt go too low. sounds like its just twitches your having but you would be best explaining it to your doctor he will tell you what it is. good luck.