Hemiballismus in Subcortical Lacunar Infarcts

Abstract

Chorea‑hemiballismus is the most common movement disorder, and it commonly results from vascular lesions in the subthalamic nucleus. Rarely, it can result from lacunar infarcts. Here is illustrated a 95‑year‑old male with sudden‑onset left-sided chorea‑hemiballismus of 2 weeks, without any other neurological deficit, who was not a diabetic patient and had no form of acidosis or electrolyte abnormality. Computerized tomogram, serial 32 slides pre‑ and post‑contrast images showed small non-enhancing, hypodense foci within the right frontal subcortical region adjacent to the frontal horn of the right lateral ventricle as well as within the lentiform nucleus. There were no mass effects seen. A diagnosis of hemiballismus from subcortical lacunar infarct was made. The hemiballismus was controlled after 2 weeks of haloperidol and clonazepam therapy, among others, with a substantial reduction in the abnormal movements. Hemiballismus attributable to subcortical lacunar infarcts though rare was presented.

Keywords: Hemiballismus, lacunar infarcts, lentiform nucleus, Nigeria, subcortical infarcts, subthalamic nucleus