Poster Presentation Asia Pacific Stroke Conference 2024

Stroke mimics in the emergency department:  A single-center cross-cectional review in a third world country (#428)

DIANA-LYNN QUE 1 2 , Enrique Panganiban 2 , Lina Laxamana 1 2 , Manuel Mariano 2 , Ma. Carissa Pineda-Franks 1 2 , Peter Paul De Guzman 1 2 , Vincent Paul De Guzman 1 2 , Ma. Cristina Macrohon-Valdez 1 2 , Remy Margarette Berroya-Moreno 1 2 , Christian Oliver Co 1 2
  1. Philippine Neurological Association, QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA, Philippines
  2. Stroke Service, Institute for Neurosciences, St. Luke's Medical Center, Taguig, Philippines

Background. Stroke mimics are conditions that show a stroke-like symptom caused by disease other than cerebrovascular diseases. The frequency of stroke mimics vary from 20% to 50%. High percentage of stroke mimics lead to unnecessary expensive workups and anxiety in patients. Objective. This study determines the prevalence and clinical profile of stroke mimics referred to the brain attack team (BAT) at our emergency department. Method. We conducted a single-center retrospective review of the stroke database and the patients’ medical records of all adult patients who presented at the emergency department with signs and symptoms of stroke and were referred to the team from January 2019 to December 2022. Results. The stroke mimic rate was 47%. Mean age was 56 ± 18.9 years old. Thirty percent of the patients had no known vascular risk factors. Most common clinical presentations were unilateral numbness and weakness (14.7% and 10.7%), rotatory dizziness (11.6%), decrease in sensorium, dysarthria, decreased verbal output and disorientation (9.9%, 7.1%, 6.0%, and 4.2%), loss of consciousness (9.0%), headache (5.0%) and stiffening/involuntary movement of extremities (20.9%). The most common diagnoses for each were radiculopathy, peripheral vertigo, encephalopathy, presyncope/ syncope, complicated migraine and tension headache, and seizures, respectively. Conclusion. We discussed the most common clinical presentation of stroke mimics and the most common etiologies linked to each clinical symptom. This may be used in improving our educational modules regarding distinguishing stroke mimic versus true stroke.