Thalamic hemorrhage

The thalamus is involved in about 1 of every 6 nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhages. Hemisensory loss, decreased level of consciousness, and hemiparesis are the usual manifestations of thalamic hemorrhage; nevertheless, depending on hematoma size and selective or global involvement of the different thalamic nuclei and neighboring structures, virtually any clinical neurologic finding may be seen in the setting of thalamic hemorrhages. In this article, the author thoroughly address the broad clinical spectrum in terms of the intrathalamic location of both large and small bleedings. They also summarize the epidemiology, etiology, diagnostic workup, prognosis, and latest medical and surgical treatment options for thalamic hemorrhages.