Isolated Shoulder Weakness as a Manifestation of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Rare Presentation

Neurol India. 2024 Nov 1;72(6):1267-1269. doi: 10.4103/neuroindia.NI_1015_20. Epub 2024 Dec 17.

Abstract

There is somatotopic organization of body in motor and sensory cortex of brain. Distal parts of a limb have a much larger area of presentation as compared to proximal parts. So, isolated distal hand muscle weakness as a manifestation of stroke is not so uncommon, but isolated shoulder muscle weakness as a manifestation of stroke is very rare. Here, we are presenting a case who presented as isolated shoulder muscle weakness as manifestation of stroke, which if one will not look carefully, can be easily mistaken as upper brachial plexopathy. But, on taking proper history and after doing proper neurological examination, it has given impression of stroke which got confirmed by doing MRI Brain. So this case shows rare presentation of ischemic stroke as isolated shoulder muscle weakness and also shows importance of proper history and examination in neurology to make correct diagnosis and do timely management.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Ischemic Stroke* / complications
  • Ischemic Stroke* / diagnosis
  • Ischemic Stroke* / diagnostic imaging
  • Ischemic Stroke* / etiology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Muscle Weakness* / diagnosis
  • Muscle Weakness* / etiology
  • Shoulder* / diagnostic imaging