HEMIBODY TREMOR RELATED TO STROKE

Background: Hemibody tremor is an uncommon manifestation of stroke. We describe a case investigated by both brain magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography using [F-18]fluorodeoxyglucose. Case Description: Three months after a pure motor stroke, a 65-year-old ma n developed a right arm and leg tremor. The tremor was of large amplit ude, intermittent at rest; its frequency was 5 to 6 Hz. Neither rigidi ty nor akinesia was detected, and administration Of L-dopa was ineffec tive. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed an ischemic lesion in the left centrum semiovale and a left caudate lacunar infarction. We s uspected that the resting unilateral tremor was related to this lacuna r lesion. Positron emission tomography demonstrated glucose hypermetab olism in the left sensorimotor cortex. Conclusions: This case suggests that unilateral tremor may be related to a lacunar stroke in the caud ate nucleus and may be accompanied by an increased glucose metabolism in the contralateral sensorimotor cortex.