Hemiballismus

Hemiballismus is a rare and extreme form of chorea characterized by violent and uncontrollable flinging movements of the arms and legs. It is usually caused by a lesion in the subthalamic nucleus of the brain.

Causes

Hemiballismus is most commonly caused by a stroke, but it can also be caused by other conditions such as diabetes, Huntington's disease, or autoimmune diseases. The condition is usually unilateral, affecting one side of the body, but it can be bilateral in rare cases.

Symptoms

The main symptom of hemiballismus is violent, uncontrollable movements of the limbs. These movements can be so severe that they can cause injury to the person or others around them. Other symptoms can include dysarthria (difficulty speaking), dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and dystonia (muscle contractions).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hemiballismus is usually based on the clinical presentation of the patient. Neuroimaging techniques such as MRI or CT scan can be used to identify the lesion in the subthalamic nucleus.

Treatment

Treatment for hemiballismus is usually aimed at managing the symptoms and treating the underlying cause. Medications such as dopamine antagonists and anticonvulsants can be used to control the movements. In severe cases, deep brain stimulation or neurosurgery may be considered.

See also

• Chorea
• Huntington's disease
• Stroke
• Subthalamic nucleus

References

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