Which of the following is NOT a common mimic of transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
Group of answer choices
- Syncope
- Migraine aura
- Seizure
- Hypertension
The correct answer is: Hypertension
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Explanation:
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a temporary episode of neurologic dysfunction caused by focal brain ischemia without acute infarction. Several conditions can mimic TIA symptoms, but hypertension is not a typical mimic.
Common TIA Mimics:
- Syncope – Brief loss of consciousness due to cerebral hypoperfusion (can resemble TIA if accompanied by transient weakness).
- Migraine aura – Reversible neurologic symptoms (e.g., visual changes, paresthesias) that may mimic TIA.
- Seizure – Postictal Todd’s paralysis can appear like a TIA.
- Hypoglycemia – Can cause focal neurologic deficits.
- Peripheral vestibular disorders (e.g., BPPV) – May mimic vertebrobasilar TIA.
Why Hypertension is NOT a Mimic:
- While hypertension is a risk factor for stroke/TIA, it does not directly cause transient focal neurologic deficits.
- Severe hypertension may lead to hypertensive encephalopathy (global confusion, headache), but this is a diffuse process, not focal like TIA.
Thus, hypertension is the correct answer as it does not typically mimic TIA.
