Convulsive-like movements as the first symptom of basilar artery occlusive brainstem infarction: A case report

BACKGROUND: Convulsive-like movements are rare in basilar artery occlusive cerebral infarction (BAOCI). These manifestations may easily be mistaken for epileptic seizures caused by compromised anterior circulation or by cortical lesions. Delayed diagnosis of this condition affects its subsequent treatment and prognosis. Therefore, it is critical to recognize this type of phenomenon in the early stage. CASE SUMMARY: A 55-year-old male patient presented with unconsciousness, rigidity, and a paroxysmal twitch in both lower limbs. These conditions lasted for nearly 2 h and resembled status epilepticus. After the initial conditions subsided, hemiplegia occurred and then subsided rapidly. The family refused thrombolytic therapy because the symptoms were similar to Todd paralysis after epilepsy. However, magnetic resonance imaging showed left pontine infarction. No abnormality was observed in a video electroencephalogram during the interictal period. Digital subtraction angiography revealed that the basilar artery was occluded and that the posterior communicating arteries were patent. Fortunately, the patient received a good prognosis after antiplatelet therapy, lipid regulation, balloon dilatation of the basilar artery, and rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Convulsive-like movements may be an early sign of basilar artery occlusive brainstem infarction. It is important to identify this phenomenon in a timely manner.