Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2026 May;44(2):365-379. doi: 10.1016/j.emc.2025.11.002. Epub 2026 Jan 23.
ABSTRACT
Stroke is one of the leading causes of adult disability. Missed stroke diagnoses increase morbidity and mortality and can result from a variety of factors. Thrombolytic therapy in stroke mimics carries a low risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. Accurate stroke identification, especially in stroke chameleons, can be improved through a detailed history, comprehensive neurologic examination, and maintaining a high index of suspicion. Reducing missed stroke diagnoses requires a multidisciplinary approach including targeted education to improve recognition, addressing socioeconomic contributors to misdiagnosis, and expanding system and population level analyses of patients with missed stroke diagnoses.
PMID:41895884 | DOI:10.1016/j.emc.2025.11.002