Septic Embolism: This condition occurs when bacteria from an infection, such as a dental abscess, enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain, causing a stroke-like syndrome. The presence of a dental abscess alongside stroke-like symptoms makes this a highly plausible diagnosis.

Infective Endocarditis: Bacteria from a dental abscess can lead to infective endocarditis, where the heart valves become infected. This condition can cause stroke-like symptoms due to septic emboli or immune complex deposition.
Cerebral Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain, potentially triggered by an infection, could present with stroke-like symptoms.
Lemierre's Syndrome: Although rare, this condition involves a bacterial infection (often originating from a dental abscess) that spreads to the jugular vein, leading to septic thrombophlebitis and potentially causing stroke-like symptoms due to septic emboli.

Meningitis or Brain Abscess: Direct spread of infection from a dental abscess to the meninges or brain tissue could present with stroke-like symptoms, along with signs of infection such as fever and headache.
Giant Cell Arteritis: This condition, although not directly related to dental abscesses, can cause stroke-like symptoms and is important not to miss due to its potential for serious complications, including blindness.
Dissecting Aneurysm: An infection could potentially weaken arterial walls, leading to dissection and stroke-like symptoms.

Neurosyphilis: In late stages, syphilis can cause stroke-like symptoms. Although rare, it's a consideration in patients with a history of untreated syphilis and a dental abscess.
Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-like episodes (MELAS): A rare genetic disorder that can cause stroke-like episodes, potentially triggered by infections like a dental abscess.
Susac Syndrome: A rare condition characterized by microangiopathic changes in the brain, retina, and cochlea, potentially presenting with stroke-like symptoms.