Ischemic Stroke of the Corpus Callosum Mimicking Cerebellar-Type Ataxia: A Case Report and Diagnostic Pitfall

Infarction of the corpus callosum (CC) remains relatively rare, largely because of its extensive vascular supply from both the anterior and posterior cerebral circulations. When this occurs, the clinical presentation generally consists of nonspecific motor weakness or language disturbances. Ataxia is highly atypical in this context. We present the case of a 65-year-old diabetic woman who presented with acute-onset cerebellar ataxia, dysarthria, recent memory impairment, disorientation, and a few subtle signs of interhemispheric disconnection. Brain imaging showed an acute ischemic lesion involving the body and splenium of the CC along with chronic extra-callosal infarcts. The patient showed a favorable clinical outcome following antiplatelet therapy and secondary vascular prevention. The mechanisms underlying the ataxia remain uncertain. Through this case, we aim to highlight the key clinical, radiological, and etiological features of callosal infarction and the challenges of attributing its manifestations to a single anatomical mechanism.