Non-ketotic Hyperglycemia Hemichorea-Hemiballismus Syndrome: A Case Report

Abstract

Non-ketotic hyperglycemia is an uncommon cause of hemichorea-hemiballismus syndrome that has been associated with high levels of glucose that are not well controlled. Lesions typically occur in the globus pallidus and putamen, which can be identified via computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These lesions generally correspond with ballistic and choreiform movements on the contralateral side of the observed imaging findings. Additionally, amelioration of hyperglycemia is the first-line treatment and usually reduces and resolves these hyperkinetic movement symptoms. This case report demonstrates a case of non-ketotic hyperglycemia hemichorea-hemiballismus syndrome in an individual with a history of poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus and a highly elevated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), who subsequently improved with insulin therapy.