Repeated Syncope in a Needle Man

Acta Neurologica Taiwanica Vol 21 No 3 September 2012 A 66-year-old man from southern Taiwan was admitted for head and facial trauma after a brief loss of consciousness for less than 1 minutes without any aura while walking. The same episode happened twice in the previous month but the trauma was relatively minor. His medical record included total thyroidectomy due to thyrotoxicosis 30 years ago and Parkinsonism diagnosed for 6 months prior. Current medications included eltroxin (5 mg once daily) and madopar (125 mg three times daily). Physical examination showed bilateral peri-orbital and cheek ecchymosis, drowsy consciousness, and isocoric pupils with rapid light reflexes. There was also mild limbs rigidity and resting tremor. Non-contrast computed tomographic (CT) scan of the brain showed facial bone fracture but also found extensive and symmetrical needle-like calcinosis Repeated Syncope in a Needle Man