Depression As a Consequence of Frontal Lobe Infarction: A Case Report

Stroke is one of the most important and prevalent causes of morbidity and mortality around the world, with the most common site of vascular lesions being the frontal lobe. Usually, strokes present with motor or speech abnormalities. Depression or other psychiatric disturbances being the sole presenting feature of a stroke is a rare occurrence. Sudden onset of behavioral disturbances should alert the physician to investigate the patient for an underlying cause of his/her disorder. We present the case of a 65-year-old diabetic male who presented with sudden low mood and apathy that caused him severe socio-economic losses. He was initially diagnosed with depressive disorder but failed to respond to treatment. He was investigated, and a computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain led to the correct diagnosis, an old left frontal infarct. In patients with behavioral disorders, which are sudden in onset or not responding to treatment, secondary causes should always be considered.