Dystonia as a Presenting Feature of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Yoram A Roman Casul,Amreen Farooqui,Aparna Wagle Shukla,Nandakumar Nagaraja,Meghan L Humbert

doi:10.7759/cureus.17272

Yoram A Roman Casul, Amreen Farooqui + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.17272

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Journal: Cureus	Publication Date: Aug 18, 2021
Citations: 3	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Florida College, University of Florida

Abstract

Hypokinetic and hyperkinetic movement disorders can occur post-stroke. Of these, dystonia is known to occur in the chronic stage of stroke. Rarely, acute dystonia can present as a symptom of acute ischemic stroke or develop during hospitalization for ischemic stroke. In this article, we present a case of acute focal dystonia as a presenting symptom of acute ischemic stroke, review the literature to summarize previous reports, and provide more insight into the pathophysiologic mechanisms related to this presentation.

Highlights

Dystonia is an abnormal involuntary movement consisting of sustained muscle contraction that frequently appears as abnormal posturing or twisting and repetitive movements
We present a case of acute focal dystonia as a presenting symptom of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), review the literature to summarize previous reports, and provide further insight into the pathophysiologic mechanisms related to this presentation
The inclusion criteria for the selection of articles were: (1) patient had a primary diagnosis of AIS, (2) patient presented with acute episodic dystonic movement or had dystonia during hospitalization for AIS, (3) there was a detailed description of the case along with supporting evidence related to the diagnosis

Summary

Introduction

Dystonia is an abnormal involuntary movement consisting of sustained muscle contraction that frequently appears as abnormal posturing or twisting and repetitive movements. Post-stroke dyskinesias can vary in onset after acute stroke and length depending on the type. Dystonia as a presentation of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is uncommon. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 2 for right upper extremity ataxia and dysarthria She had mild weakness of the right wrist extensors without any right arm drift. The patient was started on dual antiplatelet therapy and statin for secondary stroke prevention She did not have further dystonia episodes during admission and was discharged home without any complications. How to cite this article Roman Casul Y A, Humbert M L, Farooqui A, et al (August 18, 2021) Dystonia as a Presenting Feature of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Case Report and Literature Review.

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