Evidence of somatotopic organization of the sensory thalamus based on infarction in the nucleus ventralis posterior.

Abstract

This is to describe a restricted sensory syndrome of unique distribution due to thalamic infarct. We report a case of pure sensory disturbance involving the left intraoral and perioral regions and the tips of the thumb and forefinger of the left hand. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a small infarct in the contralateral thalamus, presumably affecting the nucleus ventralis posterior. This patient provides an excellent correlation between clinical findings and thalamic representation of body surface as established during stereotactic procedures.