Thalamic Infarction
A thalamic infarction is a stroke in the thalamus, the largest structure of the diencephalon. The cause of this infarction is an occlusion of the supplying vessels, which means that the thalamus is supplied with less blood. As a result, the cells may die and acute neurological symptoms may occur.
Depending on which side of the thalamus is affected, symptoms such as sensory disturbances appear on the other, contralateral side of the body. Complete paralysis of the muscles on one side of the body can also occur. This is known in medicine as hemiplegia and is a typical clinical picture after a stroke.Due to the damage to the thalamus, the patient may experience memory disorders in the form of amnesia (memory gaps).
Since the thalamus controls various functions such as thinking and learning, different symptoms can occur depending on the area damaged. For example, those affected also experienced disturbances in visual attention and also in learning. Changes in the patient’s nature can also occur, such as lack of drive but also aggressive behavior.
Psychological changes such as reduced resilience and fatigue are not uncommon in thalamus attacks, which is why neuropsychological care can be useful. Furthermore, there may be increased reflexes and excessive movements. A stroke is an emergency situation in which quick action should be taken, so if there is any suspicion, the emergency doctor should be called.
Thalamus Hemorrhage
A thalamus hemorrhage is a bleeding that occurs in the area of the thalamus in the diencephalon. It is often caused by high blood pressure, which in patients is called hypertension. Another but less common cause of bleeding can be vascular malformations.
Patients with risk factors such as obesity and nicotine consumption are particularly at risk. Patients suffer from numbness and pain in the other half of the body. Which side is affected by the deficiency therefore depends on which side of the thalamus is affected by bleeding.
Severe impairments can also occur in the form of hemiparesis. This means that the patient can no longer move his arms and legs on this side. These symptoms can be reduced.
Furthermore, disturbances of consciousness and vertical paralysis of the gaze (paresis) are typical for a thalamus hemorrhage. In the case of vertical paralysis of the eye, the patient can no longer move his eyes quickly up and down. By means of imaging examinations such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), bleeding and its expansion in the diencephalon can be diagnosed.
The subsequent treatment depends on the extent of the bleeding and the cause. In most cases, the bleeding is stopped by medication and antihypertensive drugs are also part of the therapy. Further measures depend on the patient’s condition and symptoms.
