%0 Journal Article
%T Unusual presentation of basilar artery stroke secondary to patent foramen ovale: a case report
%A Abdul Salam
%A Phil Sanmuganathan
%A Chris Pycock
%J Journal of Medical Case Reports
%D 2008
%I BioMed Central
%R 10.1186/1752-1947-2-75
%X Unexplained rapid onset of confusion with amnesia and minimal neurological deficits can be a manifestation of various systemic causes of which stroke, either ischemic or hemorrhagic, is one. Thorough and systematic evaluation of these patients can be highly rewarding in terms of optimizing patient outcome. We report the case of a 45-year-old woman whose initial presentation was with acute onset of confusion, memory loss with personality change and headaches. A differential diagnosis of systemic illness and cerebral pathology was entertained. She was empirically treated for neurological infection. Brain imaging revealed bilateral thalamic and cerebellar infarction. Further evaluation with an aim to define the etiology, revealed the diagnosis of Patent Foramen Ovale with paradoxical embolism. The differential diagnosis of unexplained rapid onset of confusion, amnesia with minimal motor neurological deficits and relevant appropriate investigations are discussed in this case report.This case highlights the importance of recognising the atypical manifestations of posterior fossa stroke. In young patients presenting with non-focal neuropsychiatric manifestations, paradoxical embolism, secondary to patent foramen ovale is a possible cause.Confusion is a common cause of admission in the older population. Though not as common in younger patients, unexplained rapid onset of confusion with amnesia and minimal neurological deficits can be a manifestation of various systemic causes of which stroke, either ischemic or hemorrhagic, is one. Thorough and systematic evaluation of these patients can be highly rewarding in terms of optimizing patient outcome.A 45-year-old woman was admitted with acute onset of short-term memory loss, intermittent headaches, dizzy spells and an obvious change in personality which had progressed over a ten day period. Intermittent vomiting, confusion and unsteadiness were also reported. These symptoms worsened over the three days prior to admission. Her
%U http://www.jmedicalcasereports.com/content/2/1/75