{
  "abstract": "Background Hyperacute stroke units (HASUs) reduce mortality in stroke patients. An unintended consequence of centralisation is patients presenting with non-stroke acute neurological symptoms lack pathways for ongoing care. Nationally, 42.8% of stroke assessments diagnose mimics but little is known about their in-hospital care.Methods We analysed data from consecutive patients arriving at the Emergency Stroke Assessment unit at our hospital in September 2024, identifying the frequency, aetiology, length of stay and in-hospital pathway for non-stroke patients.Results Of 193 patients, 71 (37%) were non-stroke. Non-stroke patients were more likely to be female (81.7% v 64.8%, p=0.01) and younger (61.7 v 70.5, p=0.0003). Non-stroke patients had shorter lengths of stay (2 v 6.9 days, p<0.0001) but if admitted to the ward mean stay was 4.2 days (range 1-19). Of 22 admissions, 17 had a primary neurological problem (seizure, functional neurological disorder, peripheral vertigo, dementia, brain tumour). Identified delays were to referral/acceptance by other teams, awaiting repatriation or increased package of care.Conclusions Non-stroke patients investigated in HASU present with predominantly neurological problems. When admitted they face delays which represent an opportunity to intervene, particularly with timely neurological input, to improve care of this patient group.s.bushara@nhs.net",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Comprehensive Stroke Service, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCLH"
      ],
      "name": "Bushara Sammir"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Comprehensive Stroke Service, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCLH"
      ],
      "name": "Nagy Anna"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Comprehensive Stroke Service, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCLH"
      ],
      "name": "Simister Robert"
    }
  ],
  "title": "236 Management of non-stroke presentations to the emergency stroke unit (ESU): a service evaluation project",
  "uid": "34ebef6a-7f04-5018-9c57-b38978d7bfd1"
}