What can mimic a stroke?

One of the most common stroke mimics is a seizure, which researchers believe account for as many as 20% of all stroke mimics. Other common stroke mimics include migraines, syncope, sepsis, brain tumor and metabolic derangement (low sodium or low blood sugar).

What can a stroke be misdiagnosed as?

In the nation's emergency rooms, strokes are regularly misdiagnosed – about one in 10 cases, according to various published reports over the last decade. In many cases, the patient's mild, non-specific symptoms, such as a headache, vertigo, or inability to answer questions correctly, prompt a different diagnosis.

What is a false stroke?

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a temporary period of symptoms similar to those of a stroke. A TIA usually lasts only a few minutes and doesn't cause permanent damage. Often called a ministroke, a TIA may be a warning.

Can you have stroke symptoms without having a stroke?

There are several conditions that can cause symptoms similar to a stroke, known as stroke mimics. A seizure, high blood pressure and even migraine headaches can cause sudden numbness or weakness.

Is it a stroke or something else?

Call 9-1-1 immediately if any of these signs of stroke appear: Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg; Confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech; Trouble seeing in one or both eyes; Trouble walking, dizziness, or problems with balance; severe headache with no known cause.

STROKE MIMICS & MNEMONICS

What is the fastest way to check for a stroke?

How can I tell if I've had a mini stroke?

Can a CT scan miss a stroke?

Strokes may not be seen on a CT scan for several reasons. It can sometimes take several hours for the brain to appear abnormal after the onset of stroke. The affected region may also be a part of the brain that CT scans do not image well, such as the cerebellum or the brainstem.

Can anxiety mimic a stroke?

Panic attacks are often confused with heart attacks or strokes. They share many of the same symptoms: Racing heart. Chest pains or tightness.

Can a blood test show a mini stroke?

Blood tests for stroke. There is no blood test that can diagnose a stroke. However, in the hospital, your doctor or nurse may do a series of blood tests to learn the cause of your stroke symptoms: Complete blood count (CBC).

Can a stroke go misdiagnosed?

While doctors should always be on the lookout for the possibility of a stroke, many are not. In fact, a number of patients who suffer from strokes are misdiagnosed or their diagnoses are delayed before they can get the treatment they need.

How can you tell the difference between a stroke and a stroke mimic?

Several key elements may help differentiate the stroke mimic from an actual stroke; these include the nature of the presenting complaint, certain epidemiological factors, timing of onset, the presence of signs or symptoms from the anterior vs. posterior cerebral circulation, and the choice of imaging modality.

What electrolyte imbalance can mimic stroke?

CONCLUSIONS: Acute hyponatremia can present with a focal neurologic deficit, mimicking stroke.

How can a doctor tell if you've had a stroke before?

Computerized tomography (CT) scan – CT scans use a series of X-rays to create a detailed image of your brain. A CT scan can show a hemorrhage, tumor, stroke and other conditions. There are different types of CT scans that your doctor may use depending on your situation.

Can doctors tell if you've ever had a stroke?

If a stroke is suspected, a CT scan is usually able to show whether you have had an ischaemic stroke or a haemorrhagic stroke. It's generally quicker than an MRI scan and can mean you're able to receive appropriate treatment sooner.

What can mimic a stroke on an MRI?

Epilepsy. Epilepsy is one of the most frequent stroke mimics. Some symptoms, such as headaches, involuntary movements, incontinence or postictal confusion, may be helpful pointers against stroke.

Why do I always think I'm having a stroke?

The Fear of a stroke is a manifestation of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder within the health concern subtype. This presents in a myriad of ways but is defined by OCD that is predicated on obsessive fears around having a stroke and the symptoms associated with this medical condition.

What is a pre stroke?

Pre-strokes or mini strokes are the common terms used to describe a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Unlike a full blown stroke, a TIA only lasts a few minutes and does not cause permanent damage. Nevertheless it is a warning sign that a possible stroke may be coming in the future.

What does a stress stroke feel like?

A terrible headache, worse than you've ever had before. Weakness on one side of your body. Trouble walking, talking, or understanding things. Vision loss in one or both eyes.

Can an EKG detect a stroke?

Can an ECG detect stroke? Yes. ECG can detect a heart problem that might lead to a stroke or even uncover a past problem such as a previous heart attack. Such ECG results would be classified as abnormal ECG.

Will an MRI show an old stroke?

Usually, a silent stroke is discovered unexpectedly on a brain CT or brain MRI. These imaging tests can easily distinguish past strokes from recent strokes.

Will a stroke always show up on MRI?

5 How- ever, earlier studies have shown that MRI may not detect acute strokes in 10-20% of patients. 4-6 Few clinical details of the false-negative cases were provided. Although several aspects of MRI techniques, computer software, and scan interpretations have been improved, false-negative MRI results may still occur.

How do you rule out a mini stroke?

How do doctors rule out a mini stroke?

Diagnosis and Tests

The doctor will do some simple quick checks to test your vision, muscle strength, and ability to think and speak. Diagnostic testing consists of either a computed tomogram (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain and carotid arteries to determine the possible cause of the TIA.

What does a micro stroke feel like?

Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs, especially on one side of the body. Sudden trouble speaking or understanding. Confusion. Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes.