Pseudoathetosis: three cases of delayed-onset movement disorder
- Author:
Kulthida Methawasin
;
Kammant Phanthumchinda
;
Larry Kaufman
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Neurology Asia
2013;18(2):217-223
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Pseudoathetosis refers to choreoathetoid movements occurring in association with loss of proprioception.
The responsible lesions can be located most anywhere and indicates a disruption of the proprioceptive
pathway, from peripheral nerves to the parietal cortex. We describe the clinical courses, radiologic
fi ndings and treatments of 3 patients with spinal pseudoathetosis. Patients 1 and 3 experienced the
movement disorder 2 years and 6 months, respectively, after resections of spinocerebellar tumors.
Patient 2 had bilateral arm weakness from cervical disc herniation one year prior to the onset of
pseudoathetosis. MRI of the cervical spine revealed lesions in the dorsolateral column of the cervical
cord as the cause of the impaired proprioceptive sensation. Since the clinical course of two patients had
shown delayed onset following a neuro-surgical procedure, the consequent neuroplasticity of disruptive
sensory pathways was thought to be the explanation for the development of the pseudoathetosis.
Pseudoathetosis in the second case could be due to a natural course of progression from cervical cord
compression. In conclusion, pseudoathetosis is a rare movement disorder and the pathophysiology
remains an enigma.
- Full text:P020150706532305649727.pdf
