Daily, we sometimes face health concerns that leave us scrambling for answers. Symptoms like slurred speech, sudden weakness, numbness on one side of the body, or vision difficulties often trigger our minds to assume the worst-case scenario: a stroke. While a stroke, a condition caused by the interrupted blood supply to the brain can manifest these symptoms, several other conditions may mimic these telltale signs and cause unnecessary panic.
In reality, up to half of all suspected stroke cases in hospitals turn out to be something entirely different. These ‘doppelgangers’ of stroke are known as “stroke mimics.” These medical conditions may present with similar symptoms like slurred speech, confusion, headaches, dizziness, weakness, or even vomiting. Dr. Saima Zafar, a renowned cardiologist, enlightens us about these conditions and how to differentiate them from a stroke.
The Doppelgangers of Stroke
1. Balance Disorders
Disturbances in balance, such as peripheral vestibular dysfunction, occur when the ears fail to relay proper signals to the brain. This communication lapse may cause dizziness, blurred vision, and stumbling or falling. You may also experience anxiety or nausea. This condition is common amongst the elderly and can be triggered by various causes, including infections, inner ear issues, certain medications, or a brain injury.
2. Seizures
Seizures result from sudden, uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain and account for 13% of stroke mimics. They may cause trembling, confusion, loss of consciousness, and stroke-like symptoms like difficulty in speaking, vision issues, and one-sided weakness or numbness.
3. Migraines
Severe headaches or migraines contribute to nearly 8% of stroke mimics. Migraines can cause severe pain, particularly around the temples, nausea, vomiting, light, and sound sensitivity, and, in some cases, stroke-like symptoms such as difficulty in speaking, vision issues, and one-sided numbness or weakness.
4. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
MS is a chronic condition that causes damage to the brain and spine, causing signaling problems between nerves. Its symptoms can closely resemble those of a stroke and can include issues with vision, balance, weakness, and cognitive challenges.
5. Hyponatremia (Low Blood Sodium)
Hyponatremia may occur due to diuretic medications, excessive alcohol consumption, severe diarrhea, or certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Symptoms include headache, nausea, confusion, muscle weakness or twitching, seizures, and breathing difficulties.
6. Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Hypoglycemia can cause you to become pale, shaky, sweaty, or lightheaded. As it worsens, you may experience confusion, loss of coordination, slurred speech, or blurred vision.
7. Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s Palsy, a neurological disorder that causes facial muscle weakness, can mimic the facial paralysis and drooping seen in a stroke. Its symptoms include sudden facial weakness or paralysis, a drooping eyebrow or mouth, one-sided drooling, or trouble closing an eyelid.
Stroke or Not: The Big Reveal
A suspected stroke is a medical emergency. The CDC recommends using the FAST test to differentiate a stroke from its mimics:
Face: Does one side of the person’s face droop when they smile? Arms: Does one arm drift forward when they raise both arms? Speech: Is their speech slurred or strange when they repeat a simple phrase? Time: If you notice any of these signs, call 911 immediately.
Regardless of whether you’re experiencing a stroke or a stroke mimic, urgent medical attention is required for these symptoms. The faster you receive medical care for a stroke, the better your outcome will be. Medical professionals can determine if you’re having a stroke or a stroke mimic and treat you accordingly.
Even if you pass the FAST test, any stroke-like symptoms are serious enough to warrant immediate medical attention. It’s better to be safe than sorry about strokes and stroke mimics. Receiving a stroke mimic diagnosis can still lead you to the correct treatment path, relieving symptoms and paving the way for your well-being.
