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).
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.
We now know that a multitude of infections can directly cause stroke, including bacterial (syphilis and tuberculosis are classic examples), fungal (cryptococcus, aspergillus, mucormycosis), parasitic [12] (most commonly neurocysticercosis), and numerous viruses (Table 2).
Overview. 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.
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.
Psychogenic pseudostroke (PS) is when symptoms are suggestive of a stroke, but in reality, of psychogenic origin. Most neurologists have encountered a case of such nature. However, specific information regarding its prevalence and management is scarce.
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.
Unlike a CT scan, which takes several hours to reveal any blockages of blood flow, an MRI can uncover any brain damage within an hour of the onset of the stroke symptoms.
Panic attacks are often confused with heart attacks or strokes. They share many of the same symptoms: Racing heart. Chest pains or tightness.
Additionally, inflammation can cause blockages or aneurysms in the arteries, which can result in severe consequences such as heart attack or stroke. For example, when there is a blockage in a small artery that supplies blood to the deep parts of the brain, it can lead to a lacunar stroke.
Stroke is a complication of the condition, which can occur when clumps of bacteria and cell fragments that have formed at the site of infection in the heart break loose and travel through the bloodstream to the brain.
This can guide new treatment to reduce the risk of stroke in people who have COVID-19. Dr Rubina Ahmed, Stroke Association Research Director, said: “There is growing evidence that people with more severe COVID-19 infection are at an increased risk of stroke compared to those with a milder case.
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).
Two very different conditions, but they can look and feel alike. That's because they both harm your brain. The symptoms of MS and strokes can be close enough that even doctors don't always get it right.
“A lot of the time a brain tumor is mistaken for a stroke,” said Jensen. “That's how it presents: as a new onset of a seizure or a new deficiency like a numb arm or leg.” The lateral nature of symptoms observed in stroke patients is also often seen in patients with brain tumors.
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.
You will likely have a head CT scan or brain MRI. A stroke may show changes on these tests, but TIAs will not.
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.
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.
Large haemorrhages remain visible as such for 2–3 weeks. There is no “optimal” time to image stroke patients with CT and expect to show a definite infarct. Many infarcts do not become visibly hypodense until hours or even a day after the stroke, if ever.
Infractions generally show up on a CT scan about six to eight hours after the start of stroke symptoms. If a stroke is caused by hemorrhage, or bleeding into the brain, a CT scan can show evidence of this almost immediately after stroke symptoms appear.