Various consequences of subcortical stroke. Prospective study of 16 consecutive cases
D. Fromm, A. L. Holland, C. S. Swindell and O. M. Reinmuth
Sixteen consecutive cases of subcortical stroke were studied prospectively
and systematically. Behavioral and neurological manifestations of different
sides, sites, and causes of lesion were evaluated by means of daily,
standard observations during the patient's hospitalization and formal
testing at monthly intervals thereafter. Language and cognitive impairments
were observed following hemorrhagic and nonhemorrhagic strokes to both the
left and right thalami and basal ganglia. The patterns were unlike those
characteristic of traditional aphasia syndromes. One patient was
asymptomatic; four demonstrated only dysarthria or dysarthria with abnormal
affect; and 11 displayed a combination of speech, language, and cognitive
deficits. Language skills recovered more rapidly and completely than did
cognitive skills. Recovery was most dramatic within the first six to eight
weeks after onset.
