Conditions that mimic a stroke, called stroke mimics, include migraines, seizures, low/high blood sugar, infections, electrolyte imbalances, brain tumors, and psychological/functional neurological disorders, all causing sudden weakness, numbness, vision loss, or speech issues but without a blocked or bleeding brain vessel. Crucially, because it's impossible to tell the difference without a doctor, always call 911 immediately for sudden stroke symptoms (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911 - FAST).

What other conditions can be mistaken for a stroke?

Stroke mimics are conditions that cause symptoms like face drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty but aren't actual strokes, including seizures, migraines (especially hemiplegic), low/high blood sugar, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, and functional neurological disorders, requiring immediate medical attention (Call 911) to rule out a true stroke through brain scans and tests, as these mimics still need proper diagnosis and care. 

How to know if it's a stroke or something else?

Symptoms include:

1. Vertigo, sensation like the room is spinning Imbalance or one-sided arm or leg weakness.
2. Slurred speech or difficulty in speech (dysarthria)
3. Double vision or other vision problems.
4. A headache.
5. Nausea and/or vomiting.

Can anxiety mimic stroke symptoms?

Yes, panic attacks can mimic many stroke symptoms, including dizziness, numbness, difficulty speaking, and feelings of doom. However, panic attacks typically don't cause true paralysis or facial drooping like strokes do.

What autoimmune disease mimics a stroke?

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder of the neuromuscular junction that causes fluctuating weakness, often involving ocular and bulbar muscles. In older adults, these symptoms may closely mimic acute ischemic stroke, particularly when dysphagia is present.

2021 Neuroscience Symposium: Stroke Mimics

What is the 3 3 3 rule for anxiety?

The 3-3-3 rule for anxiety is a grounding technique that helps manage panic and overwhelming feelings by engaging your senses: name three things you see, identify three sounds you hear, and move three parts of your body, bringing focus to the present moment to interrupt racing thoughts and calm your nervous system. It's a simple, accessible mindfulness tool to regain control during acute anxiety.
 

How do I rule out a stroke?

Cerebral angiogram

1. A physical exam. A healthcare professional does several tests, including listening to your heart and checking your blood pressure. ...
2. Blood tests. ...
3. Computerized tomography (CT) scan. ...
4. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). ...
5. Carotid ultrasound. ...
6. Cerebral angiogram. ...
7. Echocardiogram.

What are the 5 d's of stroke?

The "5 Ds of Stroke" usually refers to symptoms of a posterior circulation stroke: Dizziness, Diplopia (double vision), Dysarthria (slurred speech), Dysphagia (swallowing difficulty), and Dystaxia (lack of coordination/trouble walking), often combined with other signs like weakness or vision loss, signaling an emergency. Recognizing these signs and calling 911 immediately is crucial for timely treatment.

What is a pseudo stroke?

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.

What are 5 warning signs of impending stroke?

The 5 main warning signs of a stroke, often remembered by the acronym B.E.F.A.S.T., are: Balance issues (sudden dizziness/loss of coordination), Eyesight changes (sudden vision problems), Face drooping (one-sided weakness), Arm weakness (one arm drifts down when raised), and Speech difficulty (slurring/confusion), all of which require calling 911 immediately (the final 'T' for Time) as they appear suddenly.
 

What is ataxia in a stroke?

What is ataxia caused by stroke? A stroke in the cerebellum can result in difficulties with balance, coordination, and speech. This condition is called ataxia. Ataxia caused by stroke is an acquired form of ataxia, meaning that the ataxia symptoms are the result of an injury or illness.

Will a CT scan show a stroke?

CT scans can be an ideal method of determining whether a stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic, because they often appear distinct from one another in these images.

Which one is an overlooked symptom of a stroke?

Changes in vision can be one of the trickiest stroke symptoms to recognize. “A stroke affecting the vision centers of the brain can cause loss of sight in one eye, double vision, or inability to see one half of the world,” explains Dr. Matmati. “Because it's painless, people often assume it's minor or temporary.”

How common are stroke mimics?

In a recent study of 419 nursing home patients that were admitted to ED with suspected stroke, 66% were stroke mimics. Infections (24%) and seizures (20%) were the most frequent aetiologies [24].

What is a pac stroke?

Partial anterior circulation stroke syndrome (PACS) refers to the symptoms of a patient who clinically appears to have had a partial anterior circulation infarct, but who has not yet had any diagnostic imaging (e.g. CT Scan) to confirm the diagnosis.

What are the odd symptoms of a stroke?

In some cases, stroke symptoms may be more subtle or unusual. These can include disorientation or memory loss, drowsiness, double vision, nausea, dizziness or vomiting. The F.A.S.T. warning signs are essential for quickly and effectively identifying a stroke.

What is a LVO?

Large vessel occlusion (LVO) is a common cause of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). It is usually defined as obstruction of proximal vessels, including the internal carotid artery, proximal anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral arteries, intracranial vertebral artery, and basilar artery.

Does blood work show a stroke?

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).

What is the 4-hour rule for stroke?

The "4-hour rule" for stroke refers to the critical time window, now often extended to 4.5 hours, for administering clot-busting drugs (like tPA) for an ischemic stroke (caused by a clot) to dissolve the blockage and restore blood flow, significantly improving recovery chances. While the traditional guideline was 3 hours, evidence supports extending this to 4.5 hours for selected patients, emphasizing that "time is brain" and faster treatment leads to better outcomes, with even longer windows (up to 24 hours) now possible for some with advanced imaging and mechanical thrombectomy.
 

What is the 5 minute rule for anxiety?

The idea is simple: set a timer for five minutes and commit to a task you've been avoiding. When the timer ends, you can stop—guilt-free. Ironically, once you start, you often find the momentum to continue. This technique reduces overwhelm and helps people shift from “I can't” to “I can at least start.”

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