2023 Volume 40 Issue 2 Pages 112-116
We report a case of hemichorea–hemiballismus suspected to be caused by repeated nocturnal hypoglycemia. A 76 years old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus, using insulin glargine, was admitted to our hospital for treatment of hemichorea–hemiballismus. Although his blood glucose level and HbA1c were within normal range at the time of admission, the repeated nocturnal hypoglycemia might cause the involuntary movements. Involuntary movements due to hyperglycemia are well known, but similar symptoms with hypoglycemia or rapid correction of blood glucose levels have been reported. When a patient receiving medication to cause severe hypoglycemia such as insulin, presents with involuntary movements, we have to consider the possibility that the involuntary movement may be induced by hypoglycemia, even if a single blood glucose level or HbA1c is normal.
