Learning objectives
The purpose of this educational poster is to provide brief review of the stroke mimics that are seen on CT & MRI Brain examinations
Background
Stroke is a clinical condition characterised by rapid onset of focal neurological signs secondary to an underlying vascular cause.
A large number of disorders can mimic strokes and can alter patient clinical management.
The radiologist should be aware of various mimics will reporting such referrals.
While in the acute state,
a non contrast CT Brain can confirm or exclude stroke{ ischaemic or haemorrhagic},
additional imaging,
clinical assessment,
other non imaging tests may be needed to exclude stroke mimics
Stroke mimics tend to be in younger...
Findings and procedure details
With increasing in the aging population and due to lifestyle habits,
the incidence of stroke is on the rise.
Stroke occurs when there is abrupt interruption of blood flow to part of the brain,
either due to an emboli or thrombosis.
Even though it is common,
diagnosing stroke is not always easy.
Stroke mimics { Todd's paresis etc}can behave like stroke,
making clinical diagnosis difficult. Often,
imaging is the only way of diagnosing or excluding stroke.
Up to 30% of stroke mimics are misdiagnosed by...
Conclusion
Thrombolysis of non-haemorrhagic stroke is potentially dangerous,
hence diagnosticwork up of stroke should be considering keeping in the context that diagnosis of stroke is a clinical ,
imaging is only complimentary.
There are several conditions that mimic stroke – clinically and radiological,
careful assessment with clinical findings is important for patient management
A number of disorders mimic strokes,
and the consequences can be serious for the patient.
Conducting a careful,
comprehensive history and physical examination is paramount
Personal information
T.
Simelane
Consultant Radiologist,
Kerry General Hospital,
Tralee,
Ireland
H.
Khosa
Consultant Radiologist,
Midland Regional Hospital,
Portlaoise,
Ireland
N.
Ramesh
Consultant Radiologist,
Midland Regional Hospital,
Portlaoise,
Ireland
References
1.
Strokes: Mimics and chameleons : Fernandes FM,
Whiteley NM,
Hart SR,
Pract Neurol 2013:13: 21-28
2.
Identifying Diseases that mimic strokes; Raynovich B,
Richard AE; Journal of Emergency Medical Services
3.
Diagnostic challenge- is this really a stroke? Ng C: Aus Fam Phy: 2006:35: 805-808