Bilateral necrosis of the globus pallidus after binge-drinking

Abstract

A 77-year-old man developed progressive slurry speech, action tremor in both upper limbs, generalized bradykinesia, and unsteady and shuffling gait several weeks after heavy binge-drinking followed by an unconsciousness state in which the patient did not respond to verbal commands or painful stimuli. MRI disclosed bilateral and symmetrical necrosis of globus pallidus as well as severe cortical and hippocampal atrophy. Damage of the globus pallidus was likely related to respiratory acidosis during the event. Pallidal Parkinsonism should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a progressive movement disorder after an acute toxic or hypoxic insult to the nervous system.