Although equally good as CT at finding blood, MRI is more accurate in the diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke and its cause. MRI and MRA can assess brain damage and its reversibility as well as the risk of complications from the stroke.

What can an MRA detect in the brain?

An MRA of the head is done to look at the blood vessels leading to the brain to check for a bulge (aneurysm), a clot, or a narrowing (stenosis) because of plaque.

Why do stroke patients do MRA studies?

When blood vessels become blocked, narrowed, or otherwise damaged, they can lead to problems like chest pain, a heart attack, or a stroke. An MRA allows your doctor to find exactly which blood vessels are injured and to view the extent of the damage.