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Stroke mimics: Clinical characteristics and outcome
Ali M Al Khathaami1, Sultan A Alsaif, Bayan A Al Bdah
1Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Neurosciences (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
|January 27, 2020
Summary
Stroke mimics, conditions mimicking stroke symptoms, are common in Saudi Arabia, affecting 12.3% of patients. These mimics are more frequent in younger women and often result in milder symptoms and shorter hospital stays.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Emergency Medicine
- Diagnostic Accuracy
Background:
- Sudden neurological deficits often lead to emergency department visits with suspected stroke.
- Distinguishing stroke mimics (SM) from actual stroke is crucial for appropriate management and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and characteristics of stroke mimics (SM) in Saudi patients presenting with suspected stroke.
- To identify predictors associated with stroke mimics.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of electronic health records of 1,063 patients admitted with suspected stroke between February 2016 and July 2018.
- Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify predictors of stroke mimics.
Main Results:
- Stroke mimics accounted for 12.3% of suspected stroke cases (131/1,063).
- Peripheral vestibular disorders (27.4%) and psychogenic causes (24.4%) were the leading mimics.
- SM were more prevalent in younger individuals and women, with less likelihood of hypertension, diabetes, or smoking.
Conclusions:
- Stroke mimics are a significant finding in patients presenting with suspected stroke.
- Physicians must consider diagnostic errors, especially during the hyperacute stroke phase, to ensure timely and accurate diagnosis.
