Assessing the Effectiveness of the RACE Score in Distinguishing Stroke from Stroke Mimics in Emergency Department Settings
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By
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Hatice Yelda Yildiz
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Kaan Gülcan
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Süreyya Ece Kozbaǧ
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İrem Özürün
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Zeynep Demirkiran
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Yakup Krespi
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April 29, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Assessing the Effectiveness of the RACE Score in Distinguishing Stroke from Stroke Mimics in Emergency Department Settings
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
| Condition | Stroke and Stroke Mimics |
| Key Mechanisms | Rapid differentiation of true stroke from stroke mimics using the RACE score. |
| Target Population | Adult patients presenting with acute neurological symptoms in emergency departments. |
| Care Setting | Emergency Department |
Key Highlights
- RACE score significantly differentiates stroke from stroke mimics.
- Higher RACE scores are associated with the presence of large vessel occlusion (LVO).
- RACE scores ≥5 are more frequent in stroke cases compared to mimics.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Utilize the RACE score as part of the stroke activation workflow in emergency settings.
Management
- Consider RACE score in decision-making for thrombolysis and endovascular treatment.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Monitor RACE scores to assess the likelihood of LVO in stroke patients.
Risks
- Misclassification of stroke mimics may lead to unnecessary interventions.
Patient & Prescribing Data
303 adult patients evaluated for stroke in emergency departments.
Higher RACE scores correlate with confirmed stroke and LVO presence.
Clinical Best Practices
- Incorporate RACE score assessment in routine stroke evaluations.
- Educate emergency department staff on the significance of RACE scores.
References