Based on Jason’s presenting symptoms, a stroke is the most likely diagnosis. However, other diagnoses need to be considered.
Q. In Jason’s case which of the following diagnoses should be considered? Select true or false for each of the options listed below.
Q. In Jason’s case which of the following diagnoses should be considered? Select true or false for each of the options listed below.
Subdural haematoma – True – this would need to be excluded with a brain scan. The history of alcohol and progressive history makes this a possibility.
Encephalitis – True – a brain scan might help exclude this but a lumbar puncture and further tests might also be required.
Bell’s palsy – False – this would not explain his arm and leg weakness.
Brain abscess – True – this would need to be excluded with a brain scan although one might expect him to be sicker.
Multiple sclerosis – True – the progression over two days and his young age are suggestive. This could be diagnosed with an MRI brain scan.
Trapped nerve – False – no trapped nerve could cause all these symptoms.
Brain tumour – True – this would need to be excluded with a brain scan.
Page last reviewed: 05 May 2020
