Analysis of Stroke Mimics

In one study of consecutive patients thought to have had a stroke and presenting to an urban teaching hospital ED, about 30% actually had a different pathology/diagnosis [8]. The chart shows the percentage incidence of stroke mimic pathologies.

This study found eight features independently predicted the diagnosis. The table on the next page describes some of the features of stroke mimics.

The patient with a previous stroke event is particularly difficult to assess.

Learning Bite

The ability to distinguish true stroke from stroke mimics is an essential skill in the management of stroke patients that cannot be replaced by imaging alone