A case of hemichorea-hemiballismus secondary to a subacute hemorrhage in a patient with essential thrombocythemia: a case report.

BACKGROUND

Hemiballismus is a rare movement disorder characterized by violent, involuntary movements, usually resulting from a stroke affecting the subthalamic nucleus. Risperidone, an atypical antipsychotic, has shown effectiveness in managing these symptoms.

CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 75-year-old Asian female patient of Cambodian origin with hemichorea-hemiballismus secondary to a subacute hemorrhage in the left basal ganglia, in the context of essential thrombocythemia. The patient responded remarkably well to risperidone. The patient's story, along with video documentation of her condition and response to treatment, is discussed.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the potential of risperidone in treating hemichorea-hemiballismus, providing a nonsurgical option for managing this debilitating condition.