Beyond Involuntary Movements: A Case of Diabetic Striatopathy Complicated by Cardiac Arrest

Diabetic striatopathy (DS) is a rare neurological manifestation of poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, typically characterized by hemichorea–hemiballismus and distinctive basal ganglia abnormalities on neuroimaging. We report the case of a 57-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus who presented with generalized choreiform and ballistic movements and subsequently developed an in-hospital cardiac arrest. Diagnostic evaluation revealed uncontrolled hyperglycemia (random blood glucose 243 mg/dL; HbA1c 8.3%) without ketosis, with neuroimaging findings consistent with DS. The patient was initially managed in the casualty department and subsequently admitted to a neuro stepdown intensive care unit, where she remained for 10 days. Comprehensive medical, nursing, and rehabilitative care were provided. Despite neurological stabilization, the patient remained functionally dependent at discharge, requiring Ryle’s tube feeding and assistance for mobility. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of DS, vigilant monitoring for systemic complications, and the critical role of nursing care in acute management, rehabilitation, and continuity of care. Keywords: Diabetic striatopathy; non-ketotic hyperglycemia; hemichorea; hemiballismus; nursing care; cardiac arrest