Which of the following is NOT listed as a stroke mimic?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Sepsis
• D. Mass Lesion

Answer: (A)

Stroke mimics are conditions that can present with sudden neurological symptoms that look like a stroke but aren’t caused by an acute cerebrovascular event. The key is to recognize which conditions can imitate the sudden deficit and which are true risk factors or causes of a real stroke.

Hypertension is not a mimic. It’s a major risk factor that increases the likelihood of a real stroke occurring, but by itself it doesn’t typically produce the abrupt, focal neurological deficits that resemble a stroke. In contrast, hypoglycemia can produce weakness, confusion, or even focal signs that resemble a stroke and often improves with glucose, making it a classic mimic. Sepsis can cause delirium and encephalopathy with fluctuating or focal symptoms that can be mistaken for a stroke. A mass lesion, such as a tumor or abscess, can present with new focal deficits or headaches that mimic a stroke depending on location and size.

So the one that isn’t listed as a stroke mimic is hypertension, because it’s a risk factor for true stroke rather than a condition that imitates stroke symptoms.