From the Guidelines
A left thalamic stroke typically presents with a range of symptoms including cognitive impairment, memory problems, and potential sensory deficits, as the thalamus plays a crucial role in relaying sensory and motor information to the cortex 1. The symptoms of a left thalamic stroke can be diverse and depend on the specific thalamic nuclei affected. Some common symptoms include:
- Right-sided sensory deficits, such as numbness, tingling, or altered sensation, due to disruption of sensory pathways that cross through the thalamus
- Right-sided weakness or hemiparesis
- Memory impairments and cognitive changes, including decreased attention and confusion
- Speech disturbances, particularly if the stroke affects the dominant hemisphere's language pathways, potentially causing aphasia or dysarthria
- Thalamic pain syndrome (central post-stroke pain), characterized by severe burning or aching pain on the affected side
- Visual field defects, typically manifesting as a right homonymous hemianopsia It is essential to note that the symptoms of a left thalamic stroke can be influenced by various factors, including the stroke location, preexisting cognitive impairment, small-vessel disease, and comorbidities, as well as sociocultural and demographic characteristics of the person experiencing the stroke 1. The diagnosis and management of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) and other symptoms require a comprehensive approach, including laboratory testing, screening for depression and other mood disorders, and assessment of cognitive-related activities of daily living 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Left Thalamic Stroke
The symptoms of a left thalamic stroke can vary, but some common symptoms include:
- Sensory abnormalities, such as numbness or tingling on one side of the body 2, 3, 4
- Motor symptoms, such as hemiballismus (involuntary movements) or ataxia (loss of coordination) 2
- Cognitive symptoms, such as memory impairment, disorientation, or confusion 5, 6
- Language symptoms, such as thalamic aphasia 6
- Emotional or behavioral changes, such as apathy or neglect 5, 6
Specific Symptoms
Some specific symptoms that have been reported in patients with left thalamic stroke include:
- Dysesthesia (unpleasant sensory sensations) 3, 4
- Paresthesia (abnormal sensory sensations, such as tingling or numbness) 3, 4
- Pain or discomfort on one side of the body 4
- Difficulty with memory, attention, or executive function 5, 6
Lesion Location and Symptoms
The location of the lesion in the thalamus can affect the symptoms that occur. For example: