Transient anosognosia for episodic hemiparesis: a singular manifestation of TIAs and epileptic seizures

Can J Neurol Sci. 1989 May;16(2):203-5. doi: 10.1017/s0317167100028924.

Abstract

Anosognosia is a well-known manifestation of non-dominant parietal lobe lesions and typically lasts a few days. That anosognosia may last only a few minutes to a few hours, as observed in six patients, has not been reported. In five patients, transient anosognosia for equally brief left-sided hemiparesis was a manifestation of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). In the sixth patient, anosognosia for both a left-sided motor seizure and a subsequent brief left hemiparesis could best be explained by an epileptic ictal and post-ictal transient dysfunction of the non-dominant parietotemporal cortex. Prompt recognition of transient anosognosia, whether ischemic or epileptic, is mandatory for proper diagnosis and for rapid initiation of specific therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Epilepsy / complications*
  • Epilepsy / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Hemiplegia / etiology
  • Hemiplegia / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Ischemic Attack, Transient / complications*
  • Ischemic Attack, Transient / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Middle Aged