Thalamic hemorrhage imitating hyperventilation.
A 52-year-old woman developed subjective right hemiparesthesias over a two-day period. Because of a paucity of physical findings, apparent anxiety with tachypnea, and a respiratory alkalosis with hypocapnia, a diagnosis of hyperventilation syndrome was considered. However, because of the unilateral symptoms, a computed tomography scan was performed, demonstrating a left posterior thalamic infarct. Most reports of thalamic infarct indicate altered mental status, vertical gaze palsies, or sensorimotor hemiparesis with sensory involvement predominant. The case of a patient with thalamic hemorrhage who presented with only hemiparesthesia is reported to heighten clinicians' awareness of this diagnosis.
Scialdone
A M
AM
Department of Emergency Medicine, Timken-Mercy Medical Center, Canton, Ohio.
D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006985:Hyperventilation / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013577:Syndrome; D013786:Thalamic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*