Hemichorea-Hemiballism as a Manifestation of Hyperglycemia

Hemichorea-hemiballism associated with hyperglycemia is a syndrome characterized by a sudden occurrence of hemichorea, or its more severe expression hemiballism, in patients with non-ketotic hyperglycemia. Hemichorea-hemiballism tends to occur more commonly among elderly people and women of Asian origin. The authors present two rare cases of patients who manifested choreiform and ballistic movements of the limbs and concomitant non-ketotic hyperglycemia. Radiological findings were congruent with hyperglycemia etiology. These cases show that it is important to be aware of hemichorea-hemiballism associated with hyperglycemia, as there is a possible treatment and, if detected early on, a direct impact on prognosis.