Capsular warning syndrome

Abstract

We present a case of a 72-year-old man who presented with fluctuating right-sided weakness and numbness. This was characterised by episodic sudden onset weakness with resolution of symptoms in between. His symptoms and signs were becoming persistent despite the addition of dual antiplatelet therapy. The history we describe is classical of capsular warning syndrome. The patient went on to have further definitive neuroimaging which revealed a pontine infarct, rather than the expected capsular infarct. We discuss the importance of capsular warning syndrome, the proposed pathophysiological mechanisms and different locations of infarction in previous cases of capsular warning syndrome. We also discuss the lack of consensus (within the literature) in treatment options which are used to try and prevent a completed stroke occurring in cases of capsular warning syndrome.