# Stroke‐Like Migraine Attacks After Radiation Therapy (SMART) Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of a Rare Delayed Complication of Cranial Irradiation

**Authors:** Shiv Jha, Yugant Khand, Surabhi Ranjan, Monika Pandit, Eric Mariuma

PMC · DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.71952 · Clinical Case Reports · 2026-01-28

## TL;DR

SMART syndrome is a rare side effect of brain radiation that can look like a stroke or tumor return, but usually gets better with conservative treatment.

## Contribution

This paper presents a case report and review highlighting the importance of recognizing SMART syndrome to prevent misdiagnosis.

## Key findings

- SMART syndrome can mimic serious neurological conditions like stroke or tumor recurrence.
- Conservative management often leads to full recovery in SMART syndrome cases.
- Early recognition based on clinical and radiologic features is crucial for proper diagnosis.

## Abstract

SMART syndrome is a rare, delayed complication of cranial irradiation that can mimic stroke, tumor recurrence, or autoimmune encephalitis. Early recognition based on clinical‐radiologic features is critical to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary interventions since conservative management often leads to complete recovery.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** stroke (MONDO:0005098), autoimmune encephalitis (MONDO:0020640)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** tumor (MESH:D009369), Stroke (MESH:D020521), SMART syndrome (MESH:D011832), autoimmune encephalitis (MESH:D020274), Migraine Attacks (MESH:D008881)

## Full text

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## Figures

4 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12848783/full.md

## References

11 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12848783/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12848783