NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS AND THERAPY IN PATIENT WITH A BILATERAL THALAMIC ISCHEMIC STROKE DUE TO THE ARTERY OF PERCHERON TERRITORY INFARCT

Abstract

A bilateral thalamic ischemic stroke is a rare clinical manifestation resulting mainly from cardioembolism or small vessel disease. The ischemic stroke affecting the thalamus bilaterally may lead to memory and executive dysfunction, dis o rientation, oculomotor and conjugated gaze disturbances, motor deficit, cerebellar symptoms, apathy, stupor, somnolence and a coma. There have only been a few descriptions of the neuropsychological condition prevalent in this group of patients. The aim of the study was to present a detailed neuropsychological manifestation and follow-up with systematic rehabilitation. We present a 57-year-old female patient suffering from a bilateral thalamic ischemic stroke due to cardiogenic embolism of the artery of Percheron. The presented case summarizes the dynamics of the changes in cognitive and executive functions in the patient over the course of six months from the onset. We conclude that all bilateral stroke patients should undergo a detailed neuropsychological assess ment, an early, intensive rehabilitation process and a full cardiac investigation to unearth the potential causes.