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Bilateral chorea-ballism associated with hyperthyroidism
Aleksandar J Ristić1, Marina Svetel, Natasa Dragasević
1Institute of Neurology CCS, School of Medicine, Belgrade, Yugoslavia.
Summary
Recurrent chorea-ballism (BCB) episodes in a patient were linked to hyperthyroidism. Increased thyroid hormones, not brain changes, indicated thyrotoxicosis caused the involuntary movements.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Movement Disorders
Background:
- Hyperthyroidism is a common endocrine disorder with diverse clinical manifestations.
- Chorea-ballism is a hyperkinetic movement disorder characterized by involuntary, violent, and abrupt movements of the limbs.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old patient presented with four distinct episodes of bilateral chorea-ballism (BCB).
- These episodes consistently coincided with elevated serum thyroid hormone levels.
- Brain imaging (CT/MRI) revealed no significant structural abnormalities correlating with the movement disorder.
Findings:
- The recurrent nature of BCB, its association with hyperthyroidism, and the absence of neurological lesions strongly suggest a functional link.
- Biochemical changes induced by thyrotoxicosis are implicated as the primary cause of the observed involuntary movements.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering thyrotoxicosis in the differential diagnosis of recurrent chorea-ballism.
- It underscores the potential for endocrine imbalances to manifest as significant neurological symptoms.
- Further research into the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying thyrotoxicosis-induced movement disorders is warranted.