- Author:
Ferron F. Ocampo
1
,
2
;
Francesca Rose G. De Leon-Gacrama
1
,
2
;
Joven R. Cuanang
1
,
2
;
Jose C. Navarro
1
,
2
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: Stroke mimics; stroke; brain attack; diagnostic costs; cost burden
- From:Neurology Asia 2021;26(1):35-39
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
- Abstract: Background & Objectives: Stroke mimics are conditions that simulate the signs and symptoms of a stroke. These conditions pose a clinical challenge as they need to be distinguished from actual strokes based on neurologic findings, laboratory tests, and imaging studies in order to minimize the adverse effects of acute stroke therapies as well as hospital costs. The study aims to determine the rate and the most common etiologies of stroke mimics in a private tertiary care hospital in the Philippines and calculate the average cost incurred for diagnostics. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of medical records of adult patients assessed by the hospital’s Brain Attack Team from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2017. The diagnosis of stroke mimic was based on negative neuroimaging findings and laboratory results that showed an alternate diagnosis, in consultation with the stroke neurologist on call. Results: A total of 1,485 patient records were analyzed; 448 patients (30.2%) were diagnosed as stroke mimics. The most common etiologies were encephalopathy (83 cases, 18.5%), seizures (77 cases, 17.2%), headache (31 cases, 6.9%), hypertensive emergency (31 cases, 6.9%), and radiculopathy (27 cases, 6.0%). The average cost for diagnostics for each patient diagnosed as a stroke mimic was PHP 24,629.53 (approximately US$500). Conclusion: Stroke mimics are often encountered in the emergency setting. Due to the wide range of medical conditions that mimic stroke, early recognition is important in order to avoid the potential adverse effects of acute stroke therapies and minimize diagnostic costs, particularly in countries with limited resources.
- Full text:20250724111807989777.2020my0099.pdf