# Stroke Mimicking Symptoms and Consequences of Alcohol Intoxication: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A man with a history of hypertension showed stroke-like symptoms after a car accident, but they were mistaken for alcohol intoxication.

## Contribution

Highlights the importance of considering stroke in patients with alcohol intoxication-like symptoms.

## Key findings

- The patient's symptoms mimicked alcohol intoxication but were due to a thalamic stroke.
- He fully recovered after two days with no lasting effects.
- This case emphasizes the need for thorough stroke evaluation in similar presentations.

## Abstract

A 41-year-old Black male with a history of hypertension was involved in a car accident, after which he exhibited symptoms such as slow and incoherent speech, unstable gait, dizziness, drowsiness, slow thinking, and loss of strength in his limbs. Despite multiple negative alcohol tests, his symptoms mimicked those of acute alcohol intoxication. Upon presentation to the emergency room, physical examination and brain imaging revealed a right anterior thalamic ischemic infarction. He was discharged completely recovered after two days without sequelae. This case underscores the importance of considering stroke as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with symptoms similar to alcohol intoxication, particularly in hypertensive individuals.