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Hemiballismus following closed head injury
1Department of Psychiatry, Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University, Pittsburgh, 15212, USA.
Brain Injury
|February 1, 1996
Summary
Movement disorders like hemiballismus can occur after closed head injury (CHI) but may be missed. Early recognition and SPECT brain scans are crucial for diagnosing these rare, treatable conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
Background:
- Movement disorders are uncommon sequelae of closed head injury (CHI).
- Failure to recognize these disorders can lead to misdiagnosis, such as malingering or psychosomatic conditions.
Observation:
- A case of hemiballismus following CHI was misdiagnosed for over three years.
- The patient's symptoms significantly improved with pharmacological treatment.
Findings:
- Brain SPECT scans revealed lesions in the subthalamic areas.
- Standard neuroimaging (MRI, CT) and EEGs were normal, highlighting the diagnostic challenge.
Implications:
- Clinicians should maintain awareness of potential movement disorders post-CHI.
- Consider SPECT brain imaging for symptomatic patients with normal conventional neuroimaging.