Transient hypoglycemic hemiparesis: Report of two patients with sulphonyluria-treated type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Hypoglycemia has been reported to present as a stroke mimic with hemiparesis or even hemiplegia. Earlier reports have suggested a possible right hemispheric predilection. Even though most cases occur in the elderly, cases of hypoglycemic hemiparesis have been reported amongst insulin-treated children with diabetes mellitus. The pathophysiology of hypoglycemic-hemiparesis is hinged on metabolic injury to selected vulnerable cerebral neurons. It is also conceived that presenilin-1 mutation as well as magnesium deficiency may be contributory. Blood glucose should be checked in all patients with altered states of consciousness. Hypoglycemia should be considered in all DM patients presenting with hemiparesis Keywords : Hypoglycemia; hemiparesis; Diabetes mellitus; pathogenesis; Nigerian Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol. 50 (2) 2006: pp 36-38