Comparison of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in the thalamus

Background: The thalamus plays a crucial role in brain function, and ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in this region can lead to various neurological symptoms. This study aimed to identify differences in risk factors, functional outcomes, and neuroimaging markers between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes of the thalamus. Methods: Patients with acute thalamic stroke were classified into a thalamic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and a thalamic infarction group (49 and 88 patients, respectively). The thalamic infarction group was further categorized into a good [modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score: 0–2] and a poor (mRS score: 3–6) outcome subgroup. Neuroimaging markers, clinical records, and laboratory results were compared. Results: Compared to the thalamic infarction group, the thalamic ICH group had a higher proportion of severe white matter hyperintensities (WMHs; Fazekas scale grade 3: 23.3% vs. 70.6%, P