Identifying and differentiating stroke and stroke mimics

Stroke mimics are common differential diagnoses of stroke. This article describes common stroke mimics and their presentations. It provides nurses with an overview of how to distinguish stroke mimics from a stroke, and practical information on triaging and diagnosing stroke and stroke mimics in the clinical setting. Stroke and stroke mimics have several similarities and several important differences. A comprehensive patient history, clinical examination, use of assessment tools and the results of medical imaging can guide nurses to differentiate stroke from a stroke mimic.