Acute delirium as a form of presentation of a thalamic hemorrhagic stroke

Abstract

Delirium is a frequent cause of decompensation in the elderly, especially with higher prevalence in highly dependent patients, in advanced ages and senile dementia. It is important to always look for the principal cause before treating only the symptom. This case describes a 79-year-old woman with an episode of agitation and disorientation lasting several days, underestimated by its mild nature, but which ends up being a thalamic hemorrhagic stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke is a less common pathology than ischemic stroke but with higher morbidity and mortality. Specifically focused on the thalamus produces behavioral and sensory alterations that can be confused with multiple pathologies. Early identification and approach influence recovery and the sequelae that are being worked with different physiotherapeutic therapies.

Keywords

• cerebrovascular disorders
• delirium
• hemorrhagic stroke
• mental disorders
• thalamic diseases