Stroke Differential Diagnosis

Question 1

differential diagnoses for stroke

Answer 1

Subdural haemorrhage, tumours, poisoning, trauma (TBI), and TIA (transient ischaemic attack).

Question 2

subdural haemorrhage

Answer 2

A subdural haemorrhage is bleeding under the dura mater, usually caused by torn bridging veins after head injury.

Question 3

tumours

Answer 3

A tumour is a differential for stroke because it can produce focal neurological deficits (e.g. unilateral weakness or speech problems) depending on its location, mimicking stroke symptoms.

Question 4

poisoning

Answer 4

Poisoning is a differential for stroke because certain toxins can cause acute neurological symptoms such as weakness, confusion, or reduced consciousness, mimicking a stroke.

Carbon monoxide poisoning → headache, confusion, collapse

Drug overdose (e.g. opioids, sedatives) → drowsiness, slurred speech

Alcohol intoxication → ataxia, slurred speech

Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) → weakness, altered consciousness

Question 5

trauma (TBI)

Answer 5

Head injury can produce neurological symptoms similar to stroke.

Question 6

Transient ischaemic attack

Answer 6

A temporary interruption of blood flow to part of the brain that causes stroke-like symptoms, but without permanent brain damage. (Mini Stroke)

A TIA is a differential for stroke because it causes sudden focal neurological symptoms similar to stroke, but the symptoms are temporary and resolve without permanent brain injury.

Question 7

TIA

Answer 7

A brief period of inadequate cerebral perfusion causing sudden focal loss of neurological function.

Question 8

symptoms of a TIA

Answer 8

No longer than 24 hours.

One-sided weakness (arm, leg, or face)

Facial droop

Slurred speech (dysarthria)

Difficulty speaking or understanding (aphasia)

Sudden vision loss (often in one eye)

Double vision

Numbness or tingling on one side

Loss of balance or coordination

Dizziness

If symptoms resolve within 24 hours but imaging shows infarction, it is classified as a stroke, not a TIA.

Question 9

cause of a TIA

Answer 9

Intermittent obstruction by platelets at the site of thrombosis or temporary vasospasm.

Platelet aggregation = platelets clumping together

Thrombus site = where a clot has already started forming in a narrowed artery

Intermittent = happening on and off

Vasospasm = temporary tightening (narrowing) of a blood vessel