Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026
08:22
Permanent Cerebral Vessel Occlusion via Double Ligature and Transection
Published on: July 21, 2013
15.8K
Vascular hemichorea: case report and review
Bárbara Martínez Alfonzo1, Andrés Enrique Blanco2, Jairo Rojano3
1Hospital Dr. Miguel Pérez Carreño, Caracas, Venezuela; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela. Address: Ciudad Universitaria, Los Chaguaramos, Caracas, Venezuela.
Medwave
|December 5, 2014
Summary
A rare case of hemichorea, a neurological disorder causing involuntary movements, resulted from a thalamic stroke. This study highlights the importance of recognizing vascular causes for hemichorea, even with its low prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Neurology
Background:
- Chorea is an uncommon complication of cerebral vascular lesions, typically affecting one side of the body contralateral to the brain injury.
- Spontaneous remission is common, but symptomatic treatment may be necessary for persistent symptoms.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old male with hypertension, obesity, and a history of smoking presented with ceaseless, involuntary left-sided movements (hemichorea).
- Neurological examination and laboratory tests were unremarkable, with no other significant findings.
- Brain MRI revealed hyperintensity in the right posterolateral thalamus, indicative of ischemic cerebrovascular disease.
Findings:
- The patient's hemichorea was directly linked to an ischemic lesion in the right thalamus.
- Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the vascular origin of the neurological symptoms.
Implications:
- This case underscores the rarity of vascular hemichorea and the need for increased awareness in diagnosis and management.
- Prompt identification and treatment of underlying vascular risk factors are crucial for patients presenting with hemichorea.
- Further research into the diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of vascular hemichorea is warranted due to its low prevalence and limited published data.
Keywords:
vascular hemichoreaMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
6
A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
6
01:17Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
4
A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
4
01:28Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
832
Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
832
01:24Disorders of Hemostasis
2.9K
Hemostasis, the process that stops bleeding after a blood vessel injury, is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the circulatory system. However, disorders of hemostasis can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to either excessive clotting or bleeding. These disorders can be broadly classified into thromboembolic disorders and bleeding disorders.
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
2.9K
01:24Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction
2.4K
Esophageal varices are dilated, tortuous veins which are found mainly in the submucosa of the lower esophagus but which may also appear higher up or extend into the stomach. They develop due to increased pressure in the portal venous system, often as a result of liver cirrhosis. This condition scars and damages the liver, impeding normal blood flow through the portal vein. To compensate, blood seeks alternative pathways, forming fragile new vessels (varices) in the esophagus and stomach. These...
2.4K
01:16Vascular Spasm
5.2K
The vascular phase, also known as vasospasm, is the initial stage of hemostasis, crucial for preventing excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. After a vessel is cut, nerves in the damaged area trigger pain and other sensory impulses. Simultaneously, the smooth muscles in the vessel wall contract, resulting in a vascular spasm. This contraction reduces the vessel's diameter at the injury site, slowing or stopping blood loss through the vessel wall. Vascular spasms typically last...
5.2K