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Hemichorea Induced by Non-ketotic Hyperglycemia in a Caucasian Woman
Kristina Pham1, Sreenath Meegada2, Tejo Challa2
1Internal Medicine, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Worth, USA.
Insights
Hyperglycemia can cause chorea, a movement disorder. In this case, high blood sugar in a diabetic patient led to involuntary movements, which resolved with insulin treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Chorea is a hyperkinetic movement disorder with diverse etiologies.
- Hyperglycemia is an uncommon but recognized cause of secondary chorea.
Observation:
- A 76-year-old female with diabetes presented with a 2-3 week history of gait disturbance, hemichorea, and dysarthria.
- Laboratory results revealed severe hyperglycemia (glucose 690 mg/dL) and poor glycemic control (HbA1c 14.7%).
Findings:
- Head CT showed hyperdensity in the basal ganglia, consistent with hyperglycemia-induced movement disorders.
- Symptomatic improvement occurred rapidly following insulin therapy and glycemic control.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering hyperglycemia in the differential diagnosis of new-onset chorea, particularly in diabetic patients.
- Prompt recognition and management of hyperglycemia are crucial for reversing these neurological deficits.
Abstract:
Chorea is a disorder characterized by irregular, involuntary, hyperkinetic movements and has various causes. One unusual cause is hyperglycemia. This case involves a 76-year-old diabetic Caucasian female who developed gait disturbances, hemichorea of the face and limbs, and slurred speech over two to three weeks. She was found to have glucose level of 690 mg/dL with HbA1c of 14.7%. Head CT demonstrated hyperdensity in the left basal ganglia and mild involvement of right basal ganglia. Treatment with insulin alleviated her symptoms. The exact pathophysiology is unknown; however, many theories exist.
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