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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Difference Between A Pseudo Stroke And Stroke?

My daughter had a frontal lobe stroke 25 years ago and last year had two strokes, one in the frontal lobe and one in the cerebellum. I don t know what type of stroke the cerebellum was, others were ischemic. This past Sunday, she fell off the couch, unable to move her left side, face drooping. Husband called 911 for ambulance. Doctor told her they don t think it was a stroke, probably a pseudo stroke which can happen a year after original stroke. How could we tell the difference?
Mon, 29 Dec 2014
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

Pseudo-strokes are non-strokes which manifest rapid neurologic deficit progression and therefore mimic a stroke. These account for 2% to 3% of strokes. Causes of pseudo-strokes are included in the differential diagnosis of a stroke/TIA. They are due to other causes of stroke like symptoms which includes hypoglycemia, tumors, old strokes, encephalitis. To an onlooker, the difference between a stroke and pseudo stroke will not be clear and it is not possible to tell the difference. Even next time she gets these symptoms, it is important to take her to hospital and then treat the cause of pseudo stroke after clinical examination.
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What Is The Difference Between A Pseudo Stroke And Stroke?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. Pseudo-strokes are non-strokes which manifest rapid neurologic deficit progression and therefore mimic a stroke. These account for 2% to 3% of strokes. Causes of pseudo-strokes are included in the differential diagnosis of a stroke/TIA. They are due to other causes of stroke like symptoms which includes hypoglycemia, tumors, old strokes, encephalitis. To an onlooker, the difference between a stroke and pseudo stroke will not be clear and it is not possible to tell the difference. Even next time she gets these symptoms, it is important to take her to hospital and then treat the cause of pseudo stroke after clinical examination.