Transient Aphasia Following Resection of a Thalamic Cavernous Malformation

World Neurosurg. 2020 Apr:136:390-393.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.01.156. Epub 2020 Jan 28.

Abstract

Background: The thalamus has a demonstrated role in language, particularly through its connectivity to frontal language cortices.

Case description: A 59-year-old man with transient mixed aphasia following resection of a left-sided thalamic cavernous malformation is reported. No operative complications were encountered, and there was no surgical contact with cortical language areas. The patient recovered full language function within a week postoperatively.

Conclusions: The role of thalamic nuclei in language processes and other reports of transient thalamic aphasia are reviewed.

Keywords: Angioma; Aphasia; Cavernous malformation; Microsurgery; Prognosis; Thalamus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aphasia / etiology*
  • Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System / diagnostic imaging
  • Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Language
  • Language Disorders / etiology
  • Language Disorders / psychology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Recovery of Function
  • Thalamus / abnormalities
  • Thalamus / diagnostic imaging
  • Thalamus / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome