Stroke is diagnosed through several techniques: a neurological examination (such as the
NIHSS), CT scans (most often without contrast enhancements) or
MRI scans,
Doppler ultrasound, and
arteriography. The diagnosis of stroke itself is clinical, with assistance from the imaging techniques. Imaging techniques also assist in determining the subtypes and cause of stroke. There is yet no commonly used
blood test for the stroke diagnosis itself, though blood tests may be of help in finding out the likely cause of stroke. In deceased people, an
autopsy of stroke may help establishing the time between stroke onset and death.