Cerebellar Ataxia from Multiple Potential Causes: Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Thalamic Stimulation, and Essential Tremor. (22nd March 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shneyder, Natalya; Lyons, Mark K.; Driver-dunckley, Erika; Evidente, Virgilio Gerald H.
• Editors: Louis, Elan D.
• Is Part Of: Tremor and other hyperkinetic movements. Volume 2(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-03-22
• Subjects: Ataxia -- tremor -- Hashimoto's thyroiditis -- thalamic stimulation -- deep brain stimulation -- hypothyroidism; Tremor -- Periodicals; Hyperkinesia -- Periodicals; 616.8
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2160-8288

Abstract

Background: Both hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) can rarely be associated with cerebellar ataxia. Severe essential tremor (ET) as well as bilateral thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) may lead to subtle cerebellar signs. Case Report: We report a 74-year-old male with hypothyroidism and a 20-year history of ET who developed cerebellar ataxia after bilateral thalamic DBS. Extensive workup revealed elevated thyroid stimulating hormone and thyroperoxidase antibody titers confirming the diagnosis of HT. Discussion: Our case demonstrates multiple possible causes of cerebellar ataxia in a patient, including hypothyroidism, HT, chronic ET, and bilateral thalamic DBS. Counseling of patients may be appropriate when multiple risk factors for cerebellar ataxia coexist in one individual.