1.Profile of stroke mimics in a tertiary medical center in the Philippines
Ferron F. Ocampo ; Francesca Rose G. De Leon-Gacrama ; Joven R. Cuanang ; Jose C. Navarro
Neurology Asia 2021;26(1):35-39
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.