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Meige's syndrome and hemichorea associated with hyperthyroidism
Jianting Miao1, Rui Liu, Jie Li
1Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province 710038, China.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|November 4, 2009
Summary
Hyperthyroidism can cause rare movement disorders like Meige's syndrome and hemichorea. Treating the thyroid condition resolved these neurological symptoms in a patient, suggesting a direct link.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Movement disorders are recognized complications of hyperthyroidism.
- However, specific associations with Meige's syndrome and hemichorea remain undocumented.
Observation:
- A young Chinese woman with hyperthyroidism presented with concurrent Meige's syndrome and left-sided hemichorea.
- These neurological symptoms appeared after hyperthyroid symptom onset and resolved with methimazole treatment.
Findings:
- Neurological symptoms recurred upon methimazole cessation and abated upon achieving a euthyroid state.
- This clinical course strongly suggests a direct association between hyperthyroidism and these involuntary movements.
Implications:
- This case is the first to report Meige's syndrome and hemichorea in conjunction with hyperthyroidism.
- It highlights hyperthyroidism as a potential etiological factor for these movement disorders.
- Emphasizes screening thyroid function in patients with unexplained involuntary movements for improved management.
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