Arterial Territories Affected in the Thalamic Stroke: A Prospective Study Among Inpatients in Lome University Hospital, Togo

Abstract

Background and purpose: The thalamic infarct is frequent among ischemic stroke. We aim to determine the frequency of the thalamic infarct and analyze the different arterial territories affected in patients with thalamic syndrome. Patients and Methods: It was a prospective study. It focused on patients hospitalized in the neurology department of our university hospital, and covered the period from January to December, 2012. Only inpatients respondents to clinical and radiological criteria for diagnosis of thalamic ischemic stroke were included. All were evaluated with detailed clinical and neuropsychological evaluation, computer tomography scan (CT scan), routine blood studies, electrocardiogram, and transthoracic echocardiography. All standard risk factors were recorded in these patients. Results: A total of 768 files were analyzed of which 219 cases of cerebral infarction were selected. Among them, 12 patients had lesions involved only thalamic nuclei, which giving the frequency of 5.48%. The mean age was 59.33 years old with a ratio sex of 1.7. The clinical signs most observed were motor deficits (8/12), speech disturbances and anterograde memory impairment (7/12), and. sensory loss (5 cases). The high blood pressure was the main risk factor in all patients. The left thalamic ischemia was most frequent with 7/12 cases. The arterial territories affected were formed by the thalamotuberal arteries in 5/12, thalamoperforating arteries, (4/12), thalamogeniculate arteries, (3/12) and posterior choroidal arteries in 2/12, giving fourteen lesions. Conclusion: Thalamic infarct solely is not so rare and all its arterial branches may be affected. The sensory deficits and abnormal involuntary movement remain the embarrassing and difficult symptom to manage.

Effect of California Tri-Pull Taping Method on Shoulder Subluxation, Pain, Active Range of Motion and Upper Limb Functional Recovery After Stroke – A Pretest Post Test Design

“…1 Most of the survivor developed clinical manifestations such as sensorimotor deficits, neurophysiologic disorders, speech disturbances, involuntary movements and other secondary impairments that can impede the patients ADLs. 2 Most of the stroke patients develop shoulder subluxation in early stage 3 with occurrence rate of 7-81%. 4 Evidence substantiate the fact that onset of flaccid paralysis of the muscles at early stage will be consequential for the stability of shoulder joint.…”