DIABETIC STRIATOPATHY IN A NEWLY DIAGNOSED TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

A RARE NEUROLOGIC COMPLICATION

Abstract

CASE
Chronic neurological complications are prevalent in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetic striatopathy is a rare, acute neurological complication of Diabetes Mellitus that commonly presents with non-ketotic hyperglycemia and involuntary movements, specifically hemichorea or hemiballismus. Striatal abnormalities on neuroimaging have been reported in most, but not all, cases. We report the case of a 92-year-old Filipino female with no history of diabetes who presented with acute onset involuntary movements of the left upper extremity of a few hours duration, which progressed to right hemifacial spasm. She was diagnosed with a hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state and treated accordingly. Cranial CT scan findings were unremarkable. There was an immediate resolution of her neurologic symptoms after the correction of hyperglycemia. The underdiagnosis of diabetic striatopathy highlights the importance of increasing awareness and understanding of this condition among clinicians to prevent delayed diagnosis and treatment. The prognosis for diabetic striatopathy is good with prompt glycemic control.