Stroke is sometimes misdiagnosed as Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

It has been reported that some patients have been misdiagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), when in fact the correct diagnosis in their specific case was Stroke.

Symptoms such as headache, vertigo, and nausea are very common for patients to present with in the emergency department. Figuring out which of these patients are having a stroke, transient ischemic attack (temporary blocking in blood supply to the brain) or haemorrhage versus those with a simple infection is complex. Emergency doctors need to get a good medical history from the patient and complete a thorough neurological exam to rule out stroke. Misdiagnosis leads to increased time before the patient receives treatment. This can lead to increased brain tissue damage and have devastating consequences for the patient

Always consult your doctor or health professional, and do not self diagnose.

Symptoms can include:

Sudden problems in seeing, sudden problems in walking, headaches, feelings of tingling or numbness, confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding, unconsciousness, dizziness, loss of balance, lack of coordination

Symptoms are a guideline only and may apply to either the diagnosis or the reported misdiagnosis, or both. Consult your specialist for further information.

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