Hyperglycemia-induced hemiballismus hemichorea: a case report and brief review of the literature

J Emerg Med. 2012 Sep;43(3):442-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2010.05.003. Epub 2010 Jun 20.

Abstract

Background: Metabolic conditions, including hyperglycemia, can have various neurological presentations. Hemiballismus hemichorea is a rare manifestation reported to occur with severe hyperglycemia and is reversed in most cases with control of sugars.

Case report: We present a case of a patient with no known diabetes history who presented with uncontrolled jerky movements of one-half of her body, which resolved with achievement of euglycemia.

Conclusions: Important differential diagnoses that need to be evaluated are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Blood Glucose / analysis
  • Chorea / diagnosis
  • Chorea / drug therapy
  • Chorea / etiology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / diagnosis
  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperglycemia / complications*
  • Hyperglycemia / drug therapy
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Insulin / therapeutic use
  • Neurologic Examination
  • Reflex, Abnormal

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin