Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Circumscribed Capsular Infarct Modeling Using a Photothrombotic Technique
Published on: June 2, 2016
Capsular warning syndrome mimicking a jacksonian sensory march
Christina M Caporale1, Francesca Notturno, Massimo Caulo
1Department of Human Motor Sciences and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, Institute of Aging (Ce.S.I) University G. d'Annunzio Foundation, Chieti-Pescara, Italy.
Abstract:
A 57-year-old man, operated eight years before for a left frontal falx meningioma, presented with short lasting, stereotyped episodes of paresthesias ascending from the right foot to the hand. A diagnosis of somatosensory seizures with jacksonian march was made. The patient was given antiepilectics but 5 days later, a few hours after another paresthesic episodes, he developed right hemiplegia, hemianesthesia and dysartria due to an infarct of left capsular posterior limb. We deem that in this patient the paresthesic episodes were more likely an expression of a capsular warning syndrome than of parietal epilepsy because of the frontal localization of the surgical lesion, the absence of motor components in all episodes, the negativity of repeated EEG, and the lack of recurrences after stroke. In capsular warning syndrome sensory symptoms mimicking a jacksonian march can be due to ischemic depolarization progressively recruiting the somatotopically arranged sensory fibers in the posterior capsular limb.
Insights
Transient sensory symptoms preceding a stroke may indicate a capsular warning syndrome, not epilepsy. This case highlights distinguishing these neurological events for timely intervention and stroke prevention.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Stroke Medicine
Background:
- A patient with a history of meningioma surgery presented with recurrent sensory disturbances.
- Initial diagnosis considered somatosensory seizures with Jacksonian march.
Observation:
- The patient experienced stereotyped, ascending paresthesias from foot to hand.
- Following these episodes, the patient developed right hemiplegia, hemianesthesia, and dysarthria.
- An infarct in the left posterior capsular limb was identified as the cause.
Findings:
- The sensory episodes were re-evaluated as a potential capsular warning syndrome.
- Factors supporting this included the frontal lesion location, lack of motor symptoms, negative EEGs, and absence of recurrence post-stroke.
- Progressive ischemic depolarization recruiting sensory fibers in the posterior capsular limb can mimic Jacksonian march.
Implications:
- Differentiating capsular warning syndrome from epilepsy is crucial for appropriate management.
- Prompt recognition of these sensory warning signs can lead to earlier stroke intervention.
- Understanding the pathophysiology of sensory symptoms in stroke is vital for accurate diagnosis.
Related Concept Videos
Vascular Spasm
Major Somatic Sensory Pathways
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
