PRES manifests as reversible vasogenic edema, predominantly involving parieto-occipital lobes. Frontotemporal lobes and cerebellar hemispheres can also be involved. It can occur at atypical sites like the basal ganglia and brainstem. It may also be asymmetrical in distribution. 

It is important to rule out ischemic stroke and dural venous sinus thrombosis. 

Another differential is reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome.