Bilateral Limb-Shaking Transient Ischemic Attacks

J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2020 Mar;29(3):104577. doi: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2019.104577. Epub 2019 Dec 10.

Abstract

Limb shaking is a rare manifestation of transient ischemic attacks (TIA) associated with carotid occlusion, mostly unilateral events. We describe the case of a 69 year-old man who presented with repeated episodes of irregular jerking movements in the bilateral upper and lower extremities, precipitated by standing up. Cerebral angiograms revealed occlusion of both internal carotid arteries, and the patient's symptoms responded to targeted blood pressure management. Physicians should be mindful of bilateral limb-shaking TIA when presented with bilateral paroxysmal events that can mimic seizures or orthostatic hyperkinesia.

Keywords: Transient ischemic attack; blood pressure; carotid stenosis; cerebral angiography; internal carotid artery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antihypertensive Agents / adverse effects
  • Blood Pressure / drug effects
  • Carotid Artery, Internal* / diagnostic imaging
  • Carotid Artery, Internal* / physiopathology
  • Carotid Stenosis / complications*
  • Carotid Stenosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Carotid Stenosis / physiopathology
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation / drug effects
  • Dyskinesias / diagnosis
  • Dyskinesias / etiology*
  • Dyskinesias / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Ischemic Attack, Transient / diagnostic imaging
  • Ischemic Attack, Transient / etiology*
  • Ischemic Attack, Transient / physiopathology
  • Lower Extremity / innervation*
  • Male
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Upper Extremity / innervation*

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents