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Generalized chorea associated with chronic subdural hematomas
Annals of Neurology
|October 1, 1980
Summary
Chronic bilateral subdural hematomas can cause choreiform movements. Surgical evacuation of these hematomas may improve or resolve these involuntary movements.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Chronic bilateral subdural hematomas are collections of blood that can exert pressure on the brain.
- Choreiform movements are characterized by involuntary, irregular, and jerky physical movements.
Observation:
- Two patients presented with symmetrical generalized choreiform movements.
- The onset of chorea coincided with the presence of chronic bilateral subdural hematomas.
Findings:
- One patient experienced complete resolution of choreiform movements following surgical evacuation of the subdural hematomas.
- The second patient showed significant improvement in choreiform movements after hematoma evacuation, with a noted family history of Huntington's disease.
Implications:
- This suggests a potential causal link between chronic bilateral subdural hematomas and the development of choreiform movements.
- Surgical intervention for subdural hematomas may be a viable treatment option for resolving or improving associated chorea.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the exact pathophysiological mechanisms and differentiate from other causes of chorea.