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Welte TM, Ernst S, Stritzelberger J, Gollwitzer S, Lang JD, Reindl C, Sprügel MI, Olmes D, Schwab S, Blinzler C, Hamer HM. Trends in the neurological emergency room, focusing on persons with seizures. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:3008-3015. [PMID: 37422921 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Previous studies in neurological emergency rooms (nERs) have reported many non-acute, self-presenting patients, patients with delayed presentation of stroke, and frequent visits of persons with seizures (PWS). The aim of this study was to evaluate trends during the last decade, with special focus on PWS. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed patients who presented to our specialized nER during the course of 5 months in 2017 and 2019, and included information on admission/referral, hospitalization, discharge diagnosis, and diagnostic tests/treatment in the nER. RESULTS A total of 2791 patients (46.6% male, mean age 57 ± 21 years) were included. The most common diagnoses were cerebrovascular events (26.3%), headache (14.1%), and seizures (10.5%). Most patients presented with symptoms lasting >48 h (41.3%). The PWS group included the largest proportion of patients presenting within 4.5 h of symptom onset (171/293, 58.4%), whereas only 37.1% of stroke patients presented within this time frame (273/735). Self-presentation was the most common admission pathway (31.1%), followed by emergency service referral (30.4%, including the majority of PWS: 197/293, 67.2%). Despite known diagnosis of epilepsy in 49.2%, PWS more often underwent accessory diagnostic testing including cerebral imaging, compared to the overall cohort (accessory diagnostics 93.9% vs. 85.4%; cerebral imaging 70.1% vs. 64.1%). Electroencephalography in the nER was only performed in 20/111 patients (18.0%) with a first seizure. Nearly half of the patients (46.7%) were discharged home after nER work-up, including most self-presenters (632/869, 72.7%) and headache patients (377/393, 88.3%), as well as 37.2% (109/293) of PWS. CONCLUSION After 10 years, nER overuse remains a problem. Stroke patients still do not present early enough, whereas PWS, even those with known epilepsy, often seek acute and extensive assessment, indicating gaps in pre-hospital management and possible over-assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara M Welte
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Full member of ERN EpiCARE, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Ernst
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Full member of ERN EpiCARE, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jenny Stritzelberger
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Full member of ERN EpiCARE, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stephanie Gollwitzer
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Full member of ERN EpiCARE, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johannes D Lang
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Full member of ERN EpiCARE, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Caroline Reindl
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Full member of ERN EpiCARE, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maximilian I Sprügel
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Full member of ERN EpiCARE, Erlangen, Germany
| | - David Olmes
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Full member of ERN EpiCARE, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Schwab
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Full member of ERN EpiCARE, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Blinzler
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Full member of ERN EpiCARE, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hajo M Hamer
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Full member of ERN EpiCARE, Erlangen, Germany
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Lee SH, Nam TM, Jang JH, Kim YZ, Kim KH, Ryu KH, Kim DH, Kwan BS, Lee H, Kim SH. Role of Neurosurgeons in the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Emergency Room. J Korean Neurosurg Soc 2023; 66:24-32. [PMID: 35974432 PMCID: PMC9837491 DOI: 10.3340/jkns.2022.0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE With the recent increase in mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS), the role of neurosurgeons in AIS treatment has become increasingly important. This study aimed to assess the outcomes of patients with AIS treated by neurosurgeons and neurologists in the emergency room (ER) of a tertiary hospital in South Korea. METHODS From January 2020 to June 2021, 536 patients with AIS within 24 hours of symptom onset were admitted to our hospital via the ER. Based on the type of doctors who provided initial care for AIS in the ER, patients were divided into two groups : (a) neurosurgeon group (n=119, 22.2%) and (b) neurologist group (n=417, 77.8%). RESULTS Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) was administered in 82 (15.3%) of 536 patients (n=17 [14.3%] in the neurosurgeon group and n=65 [15.6%] in the neurologist group). The door-to-tPA time was not significantly different between both groups (median, 53 minutes; interquartile range [IQR], 45-58 vs. median, 54 minutes; IQR, 46-74; p=0.372). MT was performed in 69 patients (12.9%) (n=25, 36.2% in the neurosurgeon group and n=44, 63.8% in the neurologist group). The neurosurgeon group achieved a shorter door-to-puncture time than the neurologist group (median, 115 minutes; IQR, 107-151 vs. median, 162 minutes; IQR, 117-189; p=0.049). Good clinical outcomes (3-month modified Rankin Scale 0-2) did not differ significantly between the two groups (96/119 [80.7%] vs. 322/417 [77.2%], p=0.454). CONCLUSION The neurosurgeon group showed similar door-to-treatment time and clinical outcomes to the neurologist group in patients with AIS in the ER. This study suggests that neurosurgeons have comparable abilities to care for patients with AIS in the ER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hyuk Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
| | - Taek Min Nam
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
| | - Ji Hwan Jang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
| | - Young Zoon Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
| | - Kyu Hong Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
| | - Kyeong Hwa Ryu
- Department of Radiology, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
| | - Do-Hyung Kim
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
| | - Byung Soo Kwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
| | - Hyungon Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, Korea
| | - Seung Hwan Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea,Address for correspondence : Seung Hwan Kim Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 158 Palyong-ro, Masanhoiwon-gu, Changwon 51353, Korea Tel : +82-55-233-6073, Fax : +82-55-233-6527, E-mail :
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Practice Variation among Canadian Stroke Prevention Clinics: Pre, During and Post-COVID-19. Can J Neurol Sci 2022:1-10. [PMID: 35707914 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2022.260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Micieli G, Cavallini A, Cortelli P, REA F. Did the role of the neurologist in the emergency department change during the COVID-19 pandemic? Evidence from an Italian nationwide survey. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:1513-1520. [PMID: 34981283 PMCID: PMC8723809 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05779-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective This study aims to assess whether the role of neurologists in the emergency department changed during the coronavirus (COVID)-19 pandemic. Methods Data from an Italian national survey investigating the role of neurologists in the emergency room conducted in December 2020 were compared with those of the same survey of the previous year. These surveys involved a questionnaire being completed filled in for patients who received a neurological consultation following a visit to the emergency room. Information gathered included demographic characteristics, triage level according to both the emergency physician and neurologist, reason for the consultation, neurological evaluation, and discharge mode. Results In both years, approximately half of the patients were women, and the median age was 61 years. More patients in 2020 arrived by ambulance and had a greater need for assistance based on triage level than in 2019. During 2020, the proportion of consultancy requests judged by the neurologist was higher than that in 2019 (77% vs. 73%). Moreover, in 2020, fewer patients required consultation for headache, muscle pain, fever, and neurological signs, whereas coma was more prevalent. The diagnosis of ischemic stroke was the most prevalent in both years, followed by transient ischemic attack. In 2020, the status epilepticus increased and discopathy decreased. Conclusion This study showed the significant role played by neurologists in emergency activities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlighted the differences in patients admitted between the year of the epidemic and the year previous.
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Demin DA, Belopasov VV, Asfandiiarova EV, Zhuravleva EN, Mintulaev IS, Nikolaeva EV. ['Stroke chameleons']. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2019; 119:72-80. [PMID: 31156226 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro201911904172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis of acute stroke should be correct and early that allows physician planning the most effective treatment strategies (reperfusion therapy, undifferentiated (basic) treatment, early secondary prevention). However, stroke symptoms can be atypical and similar to some other (non-vascular) event. It can significantly complicate the clinical diagnosis of stroke and decrease the patient's chances for effective treatment. A stroke should be suspected in every patient with acute onset of neurological symptoms, especially when the patient has the 'vascular' risk factors. Furthermore it is important to remember that negative CT-scan data and/or MRI data do not exclude the presence of not only ischemic stroke but also hemorrhagic stroke. The article describes the main variants of strokes with atypical symptoms (strokes-chameleons), emphasizes the importance of careful clinical examination, provides supportive differential diagnostic criteria and discusses limitations of neuroimaging methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Demin
- Federal Center for Cardiovascular Surgery, Astrakhan, Russia
| | - V V Belopasov
- Astrakhan State Medical University, Astrakhan, Russia
| | | | - E N Zhuravleva
- Alexandro-Mariinskay Regional Clinical Hospital, Astrakhan, Russia
| | - I S Mintulaev
- Alexandro-Mariinskay Regional Clinical Hospital, Astrakhan, Russia
| | - E V Nikolaeva
- Federal Center for Cardiovascular Surgery, Astrakhan, Russia
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Abstract
Ischemic stroke is cause of substantial death and disability in the United States. Transient ischemic attack, a precursor to ischemic stroke, conveys a high risk of recurrent stroke within 90 days from event. These conditions are highly preventable and treatable. The cause is heterogenous and includes atherothrombosis, cardioembolism, lacunar disease, or cryptogenic, and some uncommon causes, such as arterial dissection and prothrombotic states. The emergent evaluation includes establishing time of onset, vital signs, glucose level, and severity of the deficit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvador Cruz-Flores
- Department of Neurology, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, 4800 Alberta Avenue, Room 108, El Paso, TX 79905, USA.
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Mackay MT, Yock-Corrales A, Churilov L, Monagle P, Donnan GA, Babl FE. Accuracy and Reliability of Stroke Diagnosis in the Pediatric Emergency Department. Stroke 2017; 48:1198-1202. [PMID: 28336681 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.116.015571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Access to acute stroke interventions in the emergency department (ED) relies on correct clinical diagnosis. Our aims were to determine the accuracy and reliability of pediatric ED physician diagnosis of childhood stroke and other conditions presenting with brain attack symptoms. METHODS Prospective study of consecutive children aged 1 month to 18 years presenting to the ED from June 2009 to December 2010 with focal neurological deficits. Accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operator characteristic curves [ROCs]) and interrater agreement (κ) were determined, between ED physician diagnoses, as recorded in the electronic hospital administrative software system, and final neurological diagnosis, after completion of diagnostic work-up. RESULTS Two-hundred eighty-seven children with 301 consecutive presentations were recruited. The most common final brain attack diagnoses included migraine in 84 children, first seizure in 48, Bell's palsy in 29, stroke in 21, and conversion disorders in 18 children. Sensitivity of ED physician stroke diagnosis was 62%, and specificity was 98% (ROC, 0.8). Inter-rater agreement for ED physician and final stroke diagnosis was substantial (κ=0.61). ED physician diagnostic accuracy and reliability was highest for Bell's palsy (ROC=0.98; κ=0.96), and lowest for central nervous system demyelination (ROC=0.5; κ=-0.01) and cerebellitis (ROC=0.50; κ=0.50). CONCLUSIONS ED physician diagnostic accuracy and reliability varies considerably across disorders presenting with brain attack symptoms. Clinical recognition tools are required to assist pediatric ED physicians with diagnosis of stroke and other serious neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark T Mackay
- From the Department of Neurology (M.T.M.), Department of Haematology (P.M.), and Emergency Department (F.B.), Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.T.M., F.B.); Florey Institute of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.T.M., L.C., G.A.D.); University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.T.M., L.C., P.M., G.A.D., F.B.); and Emergency Department, Hospital Nacional de Ninos, San Jose, Costa Rica (A.Y.-C.).
| | - Adriana Yock-Corrales
- From the Department of Neurology (M.T.M.), Department of Haematology (P.M.), and Emergency Department (F.B.), Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.T.M., F.B.); Florey Institute of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.T.M., L.C., G.A.D.); University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.T.M., L.C., P.M., G.A.D., F.B.); and Emergency Department, Hospital Nacional de Ninos, San Jose, Costa Rica (A.Y.-C.)
| | - Leonid Churilov
- From the Department of Neurology (M.T.M.), Department of Haematology (P.M.), and Emergency Department (F.B.), Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.T.M., F.B.); Florey Institute of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.T.M., L.C., G.A.D.); University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.T.M., L.C., P.M., G.A.D., F.B.); and Emergency Department, Hospital Nacional de Ninos, San Jose, Costa Rica (A.Y.-C.)
| | - Paul Monagle
- From the Department of Neurology (M.T.M.), Department of Haematology (P.M.), and Emergency Department (F.B.), Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.T.M., F.B.); Florey Institute of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.T.M., L.C., G.A.D.); University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.T.M., L.C., P.M., G.A.D., F.B.); and Emergency Department, Hospital Nacional de Ninos, San Jose, Costa Rica (A.Y.-C.)
| | - Geoffrey A Donnan
- From the Department of Neurology (M.T.M.), Department of Haematology (P.M.), and Emergency Department (F.B.), Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.T.M., F.B.); Florey Institute of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.T.M., L.C., G.A.D.); University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.T.M., L.C., P.M., G.A.D., F.B.); and Emergency Department, Hospital Nacional de Ninos, San Jose, Costa Rica (A.Y.-C.)
| | - Franz E Babl
- From the Department of Neurology (M.T.M.), Department of Haematology (P.M.), and Emergency Department (F.B.), Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.T.M., F.B.); Florey Institute of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.T.M., L.C., G.A.D.); University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.T.M., L.C., P.M., G.A.D., F.B.); and Emergency Department, Hospital Nacional de Ninos, San Jose, Costa Rica (A.Y.-C.)
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Mackay MT, Yock-Corrales A, Churilov L, Monagle P, Donnan GA, Babl FE. Differentiating Childhood Stroke From Mimics in the Emergency Department. Stroke 2016; 47:2476-81. [PMID: 27601378 PMCID: PMC5049943 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.116.014179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Clinical identification of stroke in the pediatric emergency department is critical for improving access to hyperacute therapies. We identified key clinical features associated with childhood stroke or transient ischemic attack compared with mimics. METHODS Two hundred and eighty consecutive children presenting to the emergency department with mimics, prospectively recruited over 18 months from 2009 to 2010, were compared with 102 children with stroke or transient ischemic attack, prospectively/retrospectively recruited from 2003 to 2010. RESULTS Cerebrovascular diagnoses included arterial ischemic stroke (55), hemorrhagic stroke (37), and transient ischemic attack (10). Mimic diagnoses included migraine (84), seizures (46), Bell's palsy (29), and conversion disorders (18). Being well in the week before presentation (odds ratio [OR] 5.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.25-14.79), face weakness (OR 2.94, 95% CI 1.19-7.28), arm weakness (OR 8.66, 95% CI, 2.50-30.02), and inability to walk (OR 3.38, 95% CI 1.54-7.42) were independently associated with increased odds of stroke diagnosis. Other symptoms were independently associated with decreased odds of stroke diagnosis (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.10-0.77). Associations were not observed between seizures or loss of consciousness. Factors associated with stroke differed by arterial and hemorrhagic subtypes. CONCLUSIONS Being well in the week before presentation, inability to walk, face and arm weakness are associated with increased odds of stroke. The lack of positive or negative association between stroke and seizures or loss of consciousness is an important difference to adults. Pediatric stroke pathways and bedside tools need to factor in differences between children and adults and between stroke subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark T Mackay
- From the Department of Neurology (M.T.M.) and Emergency Department (F.E.B.), Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Australia (M.T.M., P.M., F.E.B.); Florey Institute of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Parkville, Australia (M.T.M., L.C., G.A.D.); Department of Pediatrics (M.T.M., P.M., F.E.B.) and Department of Medicine (L.C., G.A.D.), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; Hospital Nacional de Ninos, San Jose, Costa Rica (A.Y.-C.); and Department of Haematology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia (P.M.).
| | - Adriana Yock-Corrales
- From the Department of Neurology (M.T.M.) and Emergency Department (F.E.B.), Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Australia (M.T.M., P.M., F.E.B.); Florey Institute of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Parkville, Australia (M.T.M., L.C., G.A.D.); Department of Pediatrics (M.T.M., P.M., F.E.B.) and Department of Medicine (L.C., G.A.D.), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; Hospital Nacional de Ninos, San Jose, Costa Rica (A.Y.-C.); and Department of Haematology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia (P.M.)
| | - Leonid Churilov
- From the Department of Neurology (M.T.M.) and Emergency Department (F.E.B.), Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Australia (M.T.M., P.M., F.E.B.); Florey Institute of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Parkville, Australia (M.T.M., L.C., G.A.D.); Department of Pediatrics (M.T.M., P.M., F.E.B.) and Department of Medicine (L.C., G.A.D.), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; Hospital Nacional de Ninos, San Jose, Costa Rica (A.Y.-C.); and Department of Haematology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia (P.M.)
| | - Paul Monagle
- From the Department of Neurology (M.T.M.) and Emergency Department (F.E.B.), Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Australia (M.T.M., P.M., F.E.B.); Florey Institute of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Parkville, Australia (M.T.M., L.C., G.A.D.); Department of Pediatrics (M.T.M., P.M., F.E.B.) and Department of Medicine (L.C., G.A.D.), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; Hospital Nacional de Ninos, San Jose, Costa Rica (A.Y.-C.); and Department of Haematology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia (P.M.)
| | - Geoffrey A Donnan
- From the Department of Neurology (M.T.M.) and Emergency Department (F.E.B.), Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Australia (M.T.M., P.M., F.E.B.); Florey Institute of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Parkville, Australia (M.T.M., L.C., G.A.D.); Department of Pediatrics (M.T.M., P.M., F.E.B.) and Department of Medicine (L.C., G.A.D.), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; Hospital Nacional de Ninos, San Jose, Costa Rica (A.Y.-C.); and Department of Haematology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia (P.M.)
| | - Franz E Babl
- From the Department of Neurology (M.T.M.) and Emergency Department (F.E.B.), Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Australia (M.T.M., P.M., F.E.B.); Florey Institute of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Parkville, Australia (M.T.M., L.C., G.A.D.); Department of Pediatrics (M.T.M., P.M., F.E.B.) and Department of Medicine (L.C., G.A.D.), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; Hospital Nacional de Ninos, San Jose, Costa Rica (A.Y.-C.); and Department of Haematology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia (P.M.)
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Ranta A, Barber PA. Transient ischemic attack service provision. Neurology 2016; 86:947-53. [DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000002339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Richoz B, Hugli O, Dami F, Carron PN, Faouzi M, Michel P. Acute stroke chameleons in a university hospital: Risk factors, circumstances, and outcomes. Neurology 2015; 85:505-11. [PMID: 26180146 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000001830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify risk factors, circumstances, and outcomes for individuals with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) chameleons (AIS-C) arriving in the emergency department of a university hospital. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed all patients with AIS from the prospectively constructed Acute Stroke Registry and Analysis of Lausanne during 8.25 years. AIS-C were defined as a failure to suspect stroke or as incorrect exclusion of stroke diagnosis. They were compared with patients diagnosed correctly at the time of admission. RESULTS Forty-seven of 2,200 AIS were missed (2.1%). These AIS-C were either very mild or very severe strokes. Multivariate analysis showed a younger age in patients with AIS-C (odds ratio [OR] per year 0.98, p < 0.01), less prestroke statin treatment (OR 0.29, p = 0.04), and lower diastolic admission blood pressure (OR 0.98 p = 0.04). They showed less eye deviation (OR 0.21, p = 0.04) and more cerebellar strokes (OR 3.78, p < 0.01). AIS-C were misdiagnosed as other neurologic (42.6% of cases) or nonneurologic (17.0%) disease, as unexplained decreased level of consciousness (21.3%), and as concomitantly present disease (19.1%). At 12 months, patients with AIS-C had less favorable outcomes (adjusted OR 0.21, p < 0.01) and higher mortality (adjusted OR 4.37, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS AIS are missed in patients with younger age with a lower cerebrovascular risk profile and may be masked by other acute conditions. Patients with chameleons present more often with milder strokes or coma, fewer focal signs and cerebellar strokes, and have higher disability and mortality rates at 12 months. These findings may be used to raise awareness in emergency departments to recognize and treat such patients appropriately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Richoz
- From the Neurology Department (B.R., P.M.), Emergency Department (O.H., F.D., P.-N.C.), and Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (M.F.), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Olivier Hugli
- From the Neurology Department (B.R., P.M.), Emergency Department (O.H., F.D., P.-N.C.), and Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (M.F.), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Fabrice Dami
- From the Neurology Department (B.R., P.M.), Emergency Department (O.H., F.D., P.-N.C.), and Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (M.F.), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierre-Nicolas Carron
- From the Neurology Department (B.R., P.M.), Emergency Department (O.H., F.D., P.-N.C.), and Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (M.F.), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mohamed Faouzi
- From the Neurology Department (B.R., P.M.), Emergency Department (O.H., F.D., P.-N.C.), and Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (M.F.), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patrik Michel
- From the Neurology Department (B.R., P.M.), Emergency Department (O.H., F.D., P.-N.C.), and Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (M.F.), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
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Karliński M, Gluszkiewicz M, Członkowska A. The accuracy of prehospital diagnosis of acute cerebrovascular accidents: an observational study. Arch Med Sci 2015; 11:530-5. [PMID: 26170845 PMCID: PMC4495149 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2015.52355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Revised: 07/22/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Time to treatment is the key factor in stroke care. Although the initial medical assessment is usually made by a non-neurologist or a paramedic, it should ensure correct identification of all acute cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs). Our aim was to evaluate the accuracy of the physician-made prehospital diagnosis of acute CVA in patients referred directly to the neurological emergency department (ED), and to identify conditions mimicking CVAs. MATERIAL AND METHODS This observational study included consecutive patients referred to our neurological ED by emergency physicians with a suspicion of CVA (acute stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a syndrome-based diagnosis) during 12 months. Referrals were considered correct if the prehospital diagnosis of CVA proved to be stroke or TIA. RESULTS The prehospital diagnosis of CVA was correct in 360 of 570 cases. Its positive predictive value ranged from 100% for the syndrome-based diagnosis, through 70% for stroke, to 34% for TIA. Misdiagnoses were less frequent among ambulance physicians compared to primary care and outpatient physicians (33% vs. 52%, p < 0.001). The most frequent mimics were vertigo (19%), electrolyte and metabolic disturbances (12%), seizures (11%), cardiovascular disorders (10%), blood hypertension (8%) and brain tumors (5%). Additionally, 6% of all admitted CVA cases were referred with prehospital diagnoses other than CVA. CONCLUSIONS Emergency physicians appear to be sensitive in diagnosing CVAs but their overall accuracy does not seem high. They tend to overuse the diagnosis of TIA. Constant education and adoption of stroke screening scales may be beneficial for emergency care systems based both on physicians and on paramedics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Karliński
- 2 Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Gluszkiewicz
- 2 Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Członkowska
- 2 Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
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Pope JV, Edlow JA. Avoiding misdiagnosis in patients with neurological emergencies. Emerg Med Int 2012; 2012:949275. [PMID: 22888439 PMCID: PMC3410308 DOI: 10.1155/2012/949275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2012] [Accepted: 06/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 5% of patients presenting to emergency departments have neurological symptoms. The most common symptoms or diagnoses include headache, dizziness, back pain, weakness, and seizure disorder. Little is known about the actual misdiagnosis of these patients, which can have disastrous consequences for both the patients and the physicians. This paper reviews the existing literature about the misdiagnosis of neurological emergencies and analyzes the reason behind the misdiagnosis by specific presenting complaint. Our goal is to help emergency physicians and other providers reduce diagnostic error, understand how these errors are made, and improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer V. Pope
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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13
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Panagos PD. Transient ischemic attack (TIA): the initial diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. Am J Emerg Med 2012; 30:794-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2011.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2011] [Accepted: 03/01/2011] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
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Lange MC, Zétola VF, Parolin MF, Zamproni LN, Fernandes AF, Piovesan EJ, Nóvak EM, Werneck LC. Curitiba acute ischemic stroke protocol: a university hospital and EMS initiative in a large Brazilian city. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2012; 69:441-5. [PMID: 21755118 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-282x2011000400006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2010] [Accepted: 01/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Few healthcare centers in Brazil perform thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe an interinstitutional protocol for the rapid identification and thrombolytic treatment of AIS patients at a public health hospital in a large Brazilian city. METHOD Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel evaluated 433 patients with possible stroke during a six-month period. After a standard checklist, patients with suspected AIS and symptoms onset of less than two hours were evaluated at our University Hospital (UH). RESULTS Sixty-five (15%) patients met the checklist criteria and had a symptom onset of less than two hours, but only 50 (11%) patients were evaluated at the UH. Among them, 35 (70%) patients had ischemic stroke, 10 (20%) had hemorrhagic stroke, and 5 (10%) had other diagnoses. Of the 35 ischemic stroke patients, 15 (43%) underwent IV thrombolysis. CONCLUSION The present study demonstrated that trained EMS workers could help to improve the rate of thrombolytic treatment in large Brazilian cities. Permanent training programs for EMS and hospital staff, with quality control and correct identification of AIS patients, should be implemented to increase appropriate thrombolytic therapy rates in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Christiano Lange
- Cerebrovascular Diseases Unit, Neurology Division, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba PR, Brazil.
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Rizos T, Jüttler E, Sykora M, Poli S, Ringleb PA. Common disorders in the neurological emergency room--experience at a tertiary care hospital. Eur J Neurol 2011; 18:430-5. [PMID: 20642795 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2010.03170.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The profile of patients with neurological diseases referred to specialized emergency rooms (ER) has not been reported and it is unknown whether a setting of decentralized ERs is associated with a high number of referrals because of inappropriate admissions. METHODS In this prospective study, consecutive patients of a specialized neurological ER were enrolled. Data encompassed time from symptom onset to admission, discharge diagnoses, data on hospitalization and on transfers to and from other ERs. RESULTS Thousand seven hundred and forty-three patients were enrolled. Most common diagnoses were cerebrovascular events (26.5%), headache disorders (13%) and seizures (12.7%). Time since onset of symptoms depended on who referred the patient (P<0.001); seizure patients presented earlier than other patients (P<0.001) and 30.5% of patients with cerebrovascular events presented within 3 h after symptom onset but did not present sooner than patients with other diagnoses. In 18%, diagnoses did not match neurological disorders, 4.5% of patients suffered from cardiovascular events. Referrals to and from other ERs rarely occurred (10.3% vs. 5.9%). Only 20 patients with acute cerebrovascular events were referred via other ERs (1.1%). CONCLUSION A system of a specialized neurological ER can quickly clear up uncertainties in interpreting neurological symptoms. Owing to the rising number of neurological patients in ERs, more studies are urgently needed comparing the different organizational forms for emergency services.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Rizos
- University of Heidelberg, Department of Neurology, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Royl G, Ploner CJ, Leithner C. Dizziness in the Emergency Room: Diagnoses and Misdiagnoses. Eur Neurol 2011; 66:256-63. [DOI: 10.1159/000331046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2011] [Accepted: 07/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Current World Literature. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2010; 4:293-304. [DOI: 10.1097/spc.0b013e328340e983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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