Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability and the third leading cause of death in the United States. Stroke misdiagnosis can mean the failure to recognize a stroke immediately after or while it is occurring, or overlooking signs of an impending stroke. The best way to avoid permanent disability or death is to avoid it altogether. A careful review of a patient’s history, a detailed physical exam, and an ultrasound of the carotid arteries or angiograms (radiology study of the arteries) can help provide an accurate diagnosis of impending stroke. In this way, many strokes can be prevented.