How to diagnose damage to neurotransmitters after a stroke?

Question

Hello doctor,

My question is hypothetical. If one has suffered brain edema as a result of a stroke, is there any way to determine whether or not the transmitters or neurotransmitters in the brain have sustained any type of damage? Is there any test available that can ascertain this information?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. If someone has brain edema secondary to brain injury, there is definitely a disturbance in the neurotransmitters in the brain. The only way to identify this is by a procedure called microdialysis wherein a probe is inserted into the area of the brain under consideration and the biochemical parameters analyzed. I hope this has helped you. Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. Microdialysis is not an outpatient procedure. It involves inserting a catheter in the area of the brain under study and introducing a solution wash, and analyzing the returning fluid for various parameters such as lactate. Currently, there is only one Trodat scan, which assesses dopamine deficiency in the brain in patients suspected of having Parkinson's disease. But, there is no such test for detecting brain injury due to edema. In addition, no test can determine whether or not the neurotransmitters have sustained damage. I hope this has helped you. Thank you.