Paroxysmal kinesigenic dystonic choreoathetosis associated with a thalamic infarct

Abstract
We describe a patient with the development of paroxysmal kinesigenic dystonic choreoathetosis (PKDC) after a thalamic infarct. PKDC consists of brief episodes of dystonia or choreoathetosis triggered by movement. PKDC improves with anticonvulsants, and in some cases, with L‐Dopa or anticholinergics. We review PKDC, and relate its salient features to idiopathic and secondary torsion dystonia. We postulate a similar underlying pathophysiology.