James Edwards chats to Dr. Katherine Spira about stroke mimics. A stroke is an acute neurological deficit lasting greater than 24 hours, caused by cerebrovascular pathology. Stroke calls are common. However, there are numerous conditions that may manifest in a similar way. Stroke mimics are non-vascular conditions that can also present with similar neurological deficits. It is important to know of some key stroke mimics. Especially how they may be differentiated from an acute stroke on history and physical examination. For example, Bell’s palsy is a stroke mimic.
In this podcast, you will also learn about the dangers of diagnosing a stroke mimic and steps to learning which cases can be de-escalated.
Summary Writer: Divya Iyer
Script Writer: Katherine Spira
Editor: Katherine Spira
Interviewee: Katherine Spira
Katherine Spira is a neurologist working in private practice and at Prince of Wales Hospital, NSW. Further to this, she has special interests in headache and obstetric neurology. She completed her training in February 2018. Katherine has previously worked as a Junior Medical Officer at Liverpool Hospital, a Basic Physician Trainee in the Prince of Wales Network, and an Advanced Trainee at Blacktown, Prince of Wales and Royal Prince Alfred hospitals. Katherine loves looking after patients, medical education and being a mum to two beautiful baby girls.
With Dr Katherine Spira, Neurologist at Prince of Wales Hospital and in private practice, New South Wales, Australia
Introduction
A stroke is an acute neurological deficit lasting greater than 24 hours caused by cerebrovascular pathology. Stroke calls are common however there are numerous conditions that may manifest in a similar way. Stroke mimics are non-vascular conditions that can also present with similar neurological deficits. It is important to know of some key stroke mimics and how they may be differentiated from an acute stroke on history and physical examination.
A 35-year-old female, G3P0 admitted at 25/40 weeks with left-sided weakness and obvious facial droop. At the onset of these symptoms there was a severe stabbing pain in the ear – now resolved. The patient ceased smoking when trying to conceive however has 10-pack year history prior and her first two pregnancies culminated in miscarriages prior to 12 weeks. Her father died as a result of a stroke at 50 years of age.
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