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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Early diagnosis by diffusion-weighted MRI of pure motor stroke limited to finger weakness
M S Hochman1, S J DePrima, B J Leon
1Department of Neurology, University of Miami School of Medicine, FL, USA.
Abstract:
Pure motor neurologic deficits occur among 3%-14% of all patients with ischemic stroke. Pure motor monoparesis occurs among 2%-22% of patients with pure motor stroke. The authors report the case of a 73-year-old woman with isolated finger weakness as the sole manifestation of a small cortical-subcortical pure motor stroke diagnosed within 4 hours of onset by means of diffusion-weighted echoplanar magnetic resonance imaging. To the authors' knowledge, the case of a patient with pure motor stroke with finger weakness as the only manifestation has not been previously reported. Increased awareness of this rare clinical presentation of pure motor stroke coupled with the promise of prompt diagnosis by means of diffusion-weighted MRI should lead to earlier stroke intervention.
Insights
A rare ischemic stroke case presented solely as finger weakness. Early diagnosis using diffusion-weighted MRI is crucial for timely intervention in pure motor stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Pure motor deficits affect 3%-14% of ischemic stroke patients.
- Pure motor monoparesis accounts for 2%-22% of pure motor stroke cases.
Observation:
- A 73-year-old woman presented with isolated finger weakness.
- This weakness was the only neurological deficit observed.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with a small cortical-subcortical pure motor stroke.
- Diagnosis was confirmed within 4 hours of symptom onset using diffusion-weighted echoplanar magnetic resonance imaging.
Implications:
- This case represents a previously unreported presentation of pure motor stroke.
- Increased awareness and prompt diffusion-weighted MRI diagnosis can facilitate earlier stroke intervention.
