Unusual stroke syndromes

At a glance

• Two groups are tested: brainstem and thalamic syndromes that don't look like a typical stroke, and uncommon causes of stroke, especially in people under 50.
• Posterior circulation strokes are missed more often than anterior ones. Vertigo, diplopia, reduced consciousness and ataxia can be the only signs.
• In young stroke, think dissection, PFO, venous thrombosis, RCVS, drugs (methamphetamine), antiphospholipid syndrome and genetic arteriopathy. The standard work-up and reperfusion are in Ischaemic stroke.