Exposing Blind Spots: Missed Stroke Diagnoses.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of adult disability. Missed stroke diagnoses increase morbidity and mortality and can result from a variety of factors. Thrombolytic therapy in stroke mimics carries a low risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. Accurate stroke identification, especially in stroke chameleons, can be improved through a detailed history, comprehensive neurologic examination, and maintaining a high index of suspicion. Reducing missed stroke diagnoses requires a multidisciplinary approach including targeted education to improve recognition, addressing socioeconomic contributors to misdiagnosis, and expanding system and population level analyses of patients with missed stroke diagnoses.