%0 Journal Article
%T Identification of Stroke Mimics in the Emergency Department Setting
%A W. Oliver Tobin
%A Joseph G. Hentz
%A Bentley J. Bobrow and Bart M. Demaerschalk
%J Journal of Central Nervous System Disease
%D 2012
%I 
%X Background and Purpose: Previous studies have shown a stroke mimic rate of 9%¨C31%. We aimed to establish the proportion of stroke mimics amongst suspected acute strokes, to clarify the aetiology of stroke mimic and to develop a prediction model to identify stroke mimics. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort observational study. Consecutive ˇ°stroke alertˇ± patients were identified over nine months in a primary stroke centre. 31 variables were collected. Final diagnosis was defined as ˇ°strokeˇ± or ˇ°stroke mimicˇ±. Multivariable regression analysis was used to define clinical predictors of stroke mimic. Results: 206 patients were reviewed. 22% were classified as stroke mimics. Multivariable scoring did not help in identification of stroke mimics. 99.5% of patients had a neurological diagnosis at final diagnosis. Discussion: 22% of patients with suspected acute stroke had a stroke mimic. The aetiology of stroke mimics was varied, with seizure, encephalopathy, syncope and migraine being commonest. Multivariable scoring for identification of stroke mimics is not feasible. 99.5% of patients had a neurological diagnosis. This strengthens the case for the involvement of stroke neurologists/stroke physicians in acute stroke care.
%U http://www.la-press.com/identification-of-stroke-mimics-in-the-emergency-department-setting-article-a1380