Janice M* presented to the emergency department (ED) with worsening slurred speech. The 55-year-old patient’s history was significant for diabetes; hypertension; depression; sleep apnea; multiple transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) thought to be stress related; and left lower-extremity weakness secondary to prior infarct. Ms. M had been to the hospital multiple times in the previous 2 to 3 years for similar symptoms. Her most recent visit to the ED had been 2 months earlier.
In the ED, the patient’s NIH stroke score was 1 for the presence of dysarthria, and a code for emergency stroke management was initiated. Ms. M was alert and oriented x 3, with no focal motor or sensory deficits noted. Computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography were negative for any acute abnormality. Throughout the course of the ED visit, her NIH score improved to 0. Ms. M exhibited staccato/stuttering speech, but it was believed that this would likely improve over the next few days.
According to the hospital neurologist, the ED work-up suggested either a TIA, stress-induced psychiatric speech disorder, or conversion disorder. The patient was discharged home in stable condition and was asked to follow up with the outpatient neurologist in 1 week.
Ms. M was seen approximately 2 weeks later in the outpatient neurology stroke clinic. Her symptoms had resolved, and she did not report any new or worsening symptoms. An outpatient stroke work-up was initiated, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, echocardiography, and measurement of low-density lipoprotein and hemoglobin A1C; all results were unremarkable. Given the timeline for symptom improvement and results of the work-up, the patient was given a diagnosis of conversion disorder. Ms. M was encouraged to follow up with her primary care physician (PCP) for further medical management.
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* The patient’s name has been changed to protect her identity.
