Neurol. praxi. 2010;11(6):425-427

Development of functional tremor as part of organic brain syndrome

MUDr.Martin Kucharík, MUDr.Andrea Barčíková, MUDr.Peter Valkovič, PhD., doc.MUDr.Ján Benetin, CSc., MUDr.Mariana Pápayová, prof.MUDr.Peter Kukumberg, PhD.

II. neurologická klinika LF UK a FNsP, Bratislava

In 1997, a 29-year-old female patient suffered a complicated craniocerebral injury (a fall off a horse) with foci of hemorrhagic contusion

in the left parietal, right temporal and frontal cerebral lobes and a subsequent development of secondary post-traumatic epilepsy, with

a confirmed epileptogenic focus located in the right centro-parieto-temporal region. She underwent right anterior temporal lobectomy

and ventriculo-peritoneal drainage for hydrocephalus of the third and fourth ventricles as well as rehabilitation therapy with a minimal

neurological residuum. An unusual „tremor“ of the right-sided limbs possibly triggered by the conflict situation is discussed. EEG and

EMG analyses of the dyskinetic phenomenon do not indicate its organic origin. A thorough clinical and neuropsychological examination

provides evidence of functional pathogenesis. Behavioral disinhibition in a possibly predisposed area potentiated by organic brain

syndrome is assumed. Psychotherapeutic treatment was initiated.

Keywords: functional, psychogenic movement disorder, tremor, epilepsy

Published: December 31, 2010  Show citation