CT classification of small thalamic hemorrhages and their clinical implications.

Thirty-seven small thalamic hemorrhages (less than 2 cm) were classified into four types depending on topographic location. Patients with posterolateral lesions had severe sensory and motor disability as well as the worst prognosis. Anterolateral lesions resulted in mild prefrontal signs with milder sensory and motor impairment. Medial hematomas disturbed consciousness in the acute stage, followed by impaired prefrontal signs of long duration. Dorsal hematomas were associated with ipsilateral parieto-occipital signs (aphasia on the left and topographic memory disturbance on the right).