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Updated: May 3, 2026
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A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
Published on: August 18, 2015
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Wasp sting-induced bilateral thalamic and midbrain infarction.
Megha Priyadarshi1, Ranveer Singh Jadon2, Naval Kishore Vikram1
1Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
BMJ Case Reports
|April 10, 2024
Summary
A wasp sting triggered a rare brain infarction in the artery of Percheron territory, causing severe neurological symptoms. This case highlights a unique complication of insect stings, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Toxicology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can lead to multi-organ dysfunction.
- Thalamic infarction is a rare type of stroke typically associated with specific vascular territories.
Observation:
- A male patient experienced anaphylaxis and neurological deterioration hours after a wasp sting.
- Neurological examination revealed somnolence and disorientation without focal deficits.
- Brain imaging identified bilateral thalamic diffusion restriction, indicative of infarction.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms were attributed to an acute infarction in the artery of Percheron territory.
- This thalamic infarction was strongly associated with the preceding wasp sting.
- Inflammatory mediators from the sting likely caused vasogenic and thrombogenic effects.
Implications:
- Wasp stings can precipitate rare neurological complications like thalamic infarction.
- This case underscores the importance of considering unusual vascular events following insect bites.
- Further research may elucidate the precise mechanisms linking insect venom to cerebrovascular events.
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