Syndrome of downward gaze paralysis, amnesia and hypersomnolence.

A 60 year old woman with computed tomographic-verified bilateral thalamic infarction is described. She demonstrated downward gaze paralysis, amnesia and hypersomnolence. On the functional level such tasks as walking and eating were disconcerting. Although there have been only a few reports of the complete triad it may be more common than realized and represents a distinct syndrome that can be identified by the bedside.