Core Concepts
Stroke mimics are more likely to lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than actual strokes, highlighting the importance of assessing mental health symptoms in patients with stroke-like presentations.
Abstract
The study explores the prevalence of PTSD in patients presenting with stroke-like symptoms and the impact of receiving a stroke mimic diagnosis. Key insights include:
- Stroke mimics have a higher likelihood of PTSD than actual strokes.
- Patients with preexisting PTSD are more prone to developing PTSD after a stroke mimic diagnosis.
- Clinicians may overlook psychological distress in patients with non-stroke diagnoses.
- Uncertainty in diagnosis and lack of support contribute to increased PTSD risk.
- Functional neurologic disorders and neuropathies are significant predictors of PTSD.
- The study raises questions about the impact of chronic conditions and ongoing stressors on PTSD.
- The uncertainty of diagnosis and fear of worsening health can exacerbate distress.
- Data collection during the pandemic could influence PTSD rates.
- The research is part of the ReACH Stroke study funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Stats
Patients presenting with stroke mimics are three times more likely to have PTSD than those with actual strokes.
Rates of PTSD at 1 month were 15.1% for stroke mimic, 6.3% for stroke, and 5.5% for TIA.
Patients with preexisting PTSD were more likely to have PTSD at the 1-month screen.
Odds of 1-month PTSD were almost three times higher for stroke mimics than for patients with stroke.
Functional neurologic disorders are more significant at predicting 1-month PTSD.
People with peripheral or cranial neuropathy are more likely to have PTSD at 1 month.
Quotes
"We would assume that a stroke, which is more life-threatening, would have more PTSD, but in this study, we found people who have less life-threatening disorders have more PTSD." - Melinda Chang
"As clinicians, we might assume, 'Oh, you're fine because you didn't have a stroke', but these patients might be suffering psychologically more than we think." - Melinda Chang
"This is a very surprising finding that I think most medical guidelines don't take into account." - Melinda Chang