THE GREAT variety of signs and symptoms due to extracranial cerebrovascular occlusive disease has received increasing attention during the past decade since surgical treatment has become available. However, descriptions of the neurologic manifestations of carotid or vertebrobasilar disease found in the literature rarely include focal motor seizures, which are generally considered to be caused by cerebral scarring or neoplasm. The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the focal convulsion as a presenting sign in carotid occlusive disease and to discuss the importance of the carotid bulb as a source of embolic material.
Report of Case
A 67-year-old retired seaman complained of sudden onset of weakness, numbness, and tingling of the right hand. There was gradual improvement but he sought medical attention and was admitted to the Boston City Hospital for study on June 7, 1964. He had been under treatment for congestive heart failure for four years