[Case of reversible ischemic neurological deficit presented as hemiballism].

Ballism is characterized by continuous, coarse, flinging involuntary movements involving the limbs. Although persistent involuntary movements caused by cerebrovascular diseases mostly in middle-aged patients are well known, transient involuntary movements are an unusual manifestation of cerebrovascular diseases. We describe a rare case of reversible ischemic neurologic deficit (RIND) presented as hemiballism. A 71-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for hemiballism in the right limbs. On magnetic resonance (MR) imagings, there was no evidence of acute ischemic stroke, but MR angiography revealed severe stenosis of left middle cerebral artery. Electroencephalogram showed no epileptic discharge. For hemiballism, chlorpromazine and haloperidol were administered in addition to antiplatelet management for ischemic attack, and the patient completely recovered on the 5 days of hospitalization. Transient ischemic attacks (TIA) or RIND typically present with neurological deficits such as loss of muscle power, reduced sensation, or visual loss. Involuntary movements are not generally regarded to be TIA or RIND. Involuntary movements such as hemiballism, however, can occur as a symptom of TIA or RIND, which should be recognized and differentiated from conditions like partial seizures. Moreover, they may be an indicator of severe carotid stenotic or occlusive diseases, and patients may be at high risk of ischemic events. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are required to prevent ischemic events.