Altered Food Preference after Cortical Infarction: Korean Style

Abstract

Background: Altered food preference or preoccupation with certain food after stroke has been rarely described in the literature. Methods: We report four Korean patients who developed altered food preference secondary to unilateral cortical infarction. Results: Two patients showed preoccupation with meat such as Pulgogi or Kalbi (roast beef flavored with ingredients), which had not been their preference prior to the occurrence of stroke. All the patients became intolerant to the smell and taste of mackerel, and two disfavored hot Kimchi (cabbage salted with hot pepper). Quantitative taste assessment done in the patients revealed decreased taste perception in a variable pattern along with dysgeusia. Imaging studies showed that the region commonly involved was the frontal opercular area corresponding to the taste cortex. Conclusion: It is suggested that strokes involving the taste cortex may produce altered food preference associated with decreased taste sensation.