Prevalence of Stroke in Patient Presenting to Emergency Department (ED) With Dizziness Base on Brain Computed Tomography (CT)

Abstract

Objectives: Dizziness is a common acute emergency complain which can present in isolation. Diagnosing a stroke in patient complains of dizziness only is major challenge to the practicing emergency physician as this symptom nor sensitive neither specific. The purpose of this study was to measure the prevalence of stroke as a diagnosis in patient who present to the emergency department with dizziness base on brain CT. Methods: This is Retrospective, Cross sectional study was carried out at the Armed Force Hospital (adult ED) in Muscat, Oman, from between August 2019 -August 2020. All patients who underwent head CT during this period where review both indication and the CT finding. Result: out of 1000 CT brain request, 115 patients meet the inclusion criteria, and 13 patients from the inclusion criteria have stroke with isolated dizziness. 80% of brain CT was normal, while 11% showed acute stroke. Conclusion: patient present with dizziness carry the risk to have stroke and head CT brain can help in diagnosis. Adding further imaging, such as, brain perfusion study and MRI can lower the chance of missing stroke case in isolated dizziness presentation.