title: Brain tumor presenting as an acute pure motor hemiparesis.
abstract: Acute pure motor hemiparesis is a clinical syndrome of isolated hemiparesis usually related to lacunar infarction, although other etiologies have been described. We recently encountered three patients with the abrupt onset of pure motor hemiparesis as the initial manifestation of primary or metastatic brain tumor. In each patient, early computed tomography demonstrated a nonhemorrhagic, right frontal, enhancing mass lesion. While the mechanism whereby brain tumor may present abruptly and simulate a stroke remains uncertain, these cases illustrate that pure motor hemiparesis can be the initial symptom of intracranial tumor. Early computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is suggested for all patients who present acutely with pure motor hemiparesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Worcester Memorial Hospital, MA 01605.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fisher
authors.forename: L D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Recht
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005910:Glioma / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed