The American Academy of Neurology has issued a new guideline for how healthcare professionals should diagnose strokes.

The academy says that MRI scans should be used before CT scans in the majority of cases. In particular, scientists say that MRIs were able to detect a stroke 83 percent of the time, compared to just 26 percent for CT scans.

"While CT scans are currently the standard test used to diagnose stroke, the Academy’s guideline found that MRI scans are better at detecting ischemic stroke damage compared to CT scans," said lead guideline author, Dr. Peter Schellinger.

Doctors say that the majority of strokes are ischemic strokes, which are caused by a lack of blood flow in the brain, most often due to a blockage or blood clot. Quick diagnosis is crucial since treatment to reverse damage must be given within hours of the first symptoms.

"This guideline gives doctors clear direction in using MRI first, ultimately helping people get an acute stroke diagnosis and treatment faster," said Dr. Schellinger.

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S.

Symptoms may include sudden numbness or weakness of the face or a limb, sudden confusion, trouble speaking or walking or a sudden headache.