# Hyperglycemia-Induced Complete Left-Sided Hemiballismus Due to Uncontrolled Diabetes in a 70-Year-Old Female: A Case Report

**Authors:** Taylor F Faust, Julee Reitzel, Aftab Khan, Garrett M Cail, Raphael Quansah

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53220 · 2024-01-30

## TL;DR

A 72-year-old woman with uncontrolled diabetes developed left-sided involuntary movements, possibly due to hyperglycemia affecting the basal ganglia.

## Contribution

This case report highlights hyperglycemia as a potential cause of hemiballismus and emphasizes the need for further research into its mechanisms.

## Key findings

- The patient exhibited left-sided hemiballismus linked to hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis.
- The case suggests a possible connection between uncontrolled diabetes and basal ganglia dysfunction.
- Management of hyperglycemia-induced hemiballismus remains complex and poorly understood.

## Abstract

This report details the presentation of a 72-year-old female with left-sided continuous non-rhythmic involuntary movements persisting for two months. The movements affected the left side of her face, arm, and leg. The patient had a history of multiple hyperglycemic episodes and diabetic ketoacidosis. This report investigates the basal ganglia’s involvement in hemiballismus, a movement disorder possibly linked to the patient’s hyperglycemia. It discusses the complex management of hyperglycemia-induced hemiballismus and the need for more research to understand the underlying mechanism and optimal treatment strategies.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** diabetes (MONDO:0005015), diabetic ketoacidosis (MONDO:0012819)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** hyperglycemic (MESH:D006944), Hyperglycemia (MESH:D006943), non-rhythmic involuntary movements (MESH:D020922), Diabetes (MESH:D003920), Hemiballismus (MESH:D020820), movement disorder (MESH:D009069), diabetic ketoacidosis (MESH:D016883)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Figures

1 figure with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC10902798/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC10902798