Which condition can present similar signs and symptoms to a nontraumatic brain injury?

Hypoglycemia can present with signs and symptoms that closely mimic those of a nontraumatic brain injury. In cases of hypoglycemia, a patient may experience confusion, altered mental status, weakness, or even loss of consciousness, which are also common symptoms seen in individuals with a brain injury. The brain requires a constant supply of glucose to function properly, and when there is a deficiency, overall cognitive and motor functions can be affected dramatically.

While stroke, seizures, and cerebral hemorrhage can also exhibit neurological deficits, their presentations may include additional specific symptoms that can help differentiate them from hypoglycemia, such as focal neurological deficits (e.g., weakness on one side of the body in stroke) or specific seizure activity. In contrast, hypoglycemia may not have such distinct focal signs, making it essential for responders to recognize this condition as a potential mimic of brain injury symptoms, leading to timely and appropriate intervention.