Related Experiment Videos
Generalized chorea associated with chronic subdural hematomas
Annals of Neurology
|October 1, 1980
Insights
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.
Abstract:
Two patients with chronic bilateral subdural hematomas developed symmetrical generalized choreiform movements. In one patient the chorea disappeared after evacuation of the hematomas, and in the other the movement improved. The latter patient has a family history of Huntington's disease.