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Biballism due to non-ketotic hyperglycaemia
A Boughammoura-Bouatay1, S Chebel, S Younes-Mhenni
1Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Fattouma Bourguiba, avenue 1er-juin, 5000 Monastir, Tunisia.
Diabetes & Metabolism
|November 26, 2008
Summary
A rare movement disorder, ballism, was observed in a type 1 diabetes patient experiencing non-ketotic hyperglycemia. Prompt glucose reduction and medication successfully resolved the involuntary movements.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) management can be complex, with potential for acute metabolic complications.
- Movement disorders, such as ballism, are uncommon presentations in patients with diabetes.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old woman with T1DM presented with sudden-onset, progressive hemiballism affecting both sides of her body.
- Cerebral MRI revealed no vascular lesions, but non-ketotic hyperglycemia was detected.
Findings:
- Non-ketotic hyperglycemia was strongly associated with the development of biballism in this patient.
- Treatment involving glucose level normalization and neuroleptic medication led to complete resolution of the movement disorder.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential, albeit rare, neurological manifestation of severe hyperglycemia in T1DM.
- Clinicians should consider metabolic disturbances, particularly non-ketotic hyperglycemia, in the differential diagnosis of new-onset movement disorders.
- Further research into the pathophysiology linking hyperglycemia and ballism may improve patient outcomes.
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