The Absence of Typical Stroke Symptoms and Risk Factors Represents the Greatest Risk of an Incorrect Diagnosis in Stroke Patients

Background: Stroke is one of the most misdiagnosed conditions that causes serious medical disabilities. Its early and accurate diagnosis by the emergency team is crucial for the patient's survival. This study aimed to determine the percentage of brain strokes incorrectly diagnosed by paramedic teams and to analyze the factors influencing incorrect diagnoses.

Methods: The data of 103 patients, mean age of 68.4 ± 14.96 years, admitted in 2019 to hospital emergency departments of the two hospitals in Olsztyn, Poland, were analyzed retrospectively.

Results: Stroke and transient ischemic attack were recognized in 77 cases (74.8%). In 26 patients (25.2%), the diagnosis made in the ambulance differed from that made in the hospital ward. The greatest source of misdiagnosis of stroke by the paramedic team was the lack of hemiplegia (OR = 6.0).

Conclusions: The absence of typical stroke risk factors and neurological stroke symptoms, such as smoking, hemiplegia, aphasia, hypercholesterolemia, arrhythmia, diabetes or a drooping corner of the mouth, constitutes a high risk of misdiagnosing stroke by the paramedic team.