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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gliomas, meningiomas and hypophyseal adenomas are among the commonest primary tumors that may mimic a stroke. Metastatic lesions of the brain may have a similar presentation.
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.
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.
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.
Panic attacks are often confused with heart attacks or strokes. They share many of the same symptoms: Racing heart. Chest pains or tightness.
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.
You get stroke symptoms because a clot is blocking the blood supply in your brain. When the clot moves away, the stroke symptoms stop. You might feel like you're fine afterwards, but it's vital to get medical help right away.
The Difference Between Brain Tumors and Strokes
With a stroke, the symptoms happen quickly over a period of minutes or hours. With a brain tumor, the symptoms may come on so subtlely that those around the patient take little to no notice right away. “They may be willing to write it off,” said Jensen.
These may include: seizures, difficulty thinking or speaking, changes in personality, anxiety, depression, disorientation, fatigue, abnormal eye movements, numbness or tingling on one side of the body, weakness on one side of the body, loss of balance, vision changes, memory loss, nausea, generalized pain, trouble ...
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.
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.
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).
Yes, you can have a stroke and not know it. A stroke's effects can be undetectable if the stroke is small or if the tissue damaged does not serve a critical function. Evidence of the stroke would show on a CT scan or an MRI of the brain, but it might not produce symptoms.
Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination. Loss of vision or changes to your vision in one or both eyes, which usually happens suddenly. Feeling confused or having trouble understanding things that are usually easy for you. Numbness or weakness on one side of the body (or in one arm or leg)
Brain cells begin to die when they are deprived of oxygen and glucose. Permanent brain damage or death is possible if a stroke is not caught early.