Bilateral basal ganglia infarcts presenting as rapid onset cognitive and behavioral disturbance

Neurocase. 2020 Apr;26(2):115-119. doi: 10.1080/13554794.2020.1728341. Epub 2020 Feb 11.

Abstract

We describe a rare case of a patient with rapid onset, prominent cognitive and behavioral changes who presented to our rapidly progressive dementia program with symptoms ultimately attributed to bilateral basal ganglia infarcts involving the caudate heads. We review the longitudinal clinical presentation and neuropsychological testing for this patient, and discuss the implicated basal ganglia and frontal lobe neuroanatomy.

Keywords: Bilateral basal ganglia; caudate head; executive function; frontal lobe syndrome; spatial working memory.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Basal Ganglia Diseases* / complications
  • Basal Ganglia Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Basal Ganglia Diseases* / pathology
  • Basal Ganglia Diseases* / physiopathology
  • Behavioral Symptoms* / diagnosis
  • Behavioral Symptoms* / etiology
  • Behavioral Symptoms* / physiopathology
  • Caudate Nucleus / diagnostic imaging
  • Caudate Nucleus / pathology*
  • Cerebral Infarction* / complications
  • Cerebral Infarction* / diagnosis
  • Cerebral Infarction* / pathology
  • Cerebral Infarction* / physiopathology
  • Cognitive Dysfunction* / diagnosis
  • Cognitive Dysfunction* / etiology
  • Cognitive Dysfunction* / physiopathology
  • Executive Function / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory, Short-Term / physiology
  • Space Perception / physiology