A lesion of the anterior thalamus producing dystonic tremor of the hand.
BACKGROUND
Thalamic tremor is typically characterized by resting and intention components; a postural element is often present as well. Previously reported cases of acquired thalamic tremor have demonstrated lesions in the posterior thalamus or dentatorubrothalamic tract.


OBJECTIVE
To report a case of dystonic-postural tremor of the upper extremity that occurred after a contralateral anterior thalamic infarct, and to discuss potential tremorigenic mechanisms.


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
Municipal hospital neurology clinic.


METHODS
A 65-year-old right-handed woman suddenly developed a dystonic tremor in her left hand after undergoing coronary bypass surgery. The tremor persisted unchanged for 8 months, at which time she was evaluated by us. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging scans demonstrated a right anterior thalamic infarct.


CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, this is the first report of focal tremor caused by a lesion of the anterior thalamus.
Cho
C
C
Department of Neurology, Metropolitan Hospital Center, 1901 First Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA.
Samkoff
L M
LM
D000368:Aged; D020643:Anterior Thalamic Nuclei / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology*; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects; D004421:Dystonia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D014202:Tremor / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*