Stroke mimic in a cancer survivor: a rare case of SMART (stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy) syndrome
Saigal, Radhika Mazhuppel Rechard, Edwin Sivanandam, Lokesh Koumar
Saigal, Radhika
Mazhuppel Rechard, Edwin
Sivanandam, Lokesh Koumar
Abstract
Stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy (SMART) syndrome is a rare and delayed side effect of cranial irradiation. It can appear after many years following radiation therapy and is characterised by temporary, stroke-like neurological deficits such as hemiparesis, seizures, aphasia, sensory abnormalities, and headaches. Although the condition is self-limiting, it can pose a difficulty in diagnosis due to its symptoms coinciding with other neurological disorders. We report a case of a 63-year-old male with a diagnosis of oligodendroglioma for which he had previously received cranial irradiation in 2015. He presented to the emergency room in 2025, 10 years later, with an abrupt-onset weakness in his left upper and lower limbs. Acute causes like infection, stroke, and seizures were ruled out through investigations. The patient's history, clinical presentation, and radiological exclusion of other pathologies led to the diagnosis of SMART syndrome. Verapamil was prescribed as migraine prophylaxis, and neurology follow-up was part of the treatment plan. At the subsequent follow-up, it was reported that the clinical condition was showing gradual improvement. Patients with a history of cranial irradiation and temporary focal neurological symptoms should be evaluated for SMART syndrome, especially when other acute pathologies are excluded, as early detection can help avoid needless interventions and guide appropriate management.
MIDER Authors
Affiliations
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust; The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust; Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Citations
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Date
2025-09-18
Type
Article
Subject
Collections
Citation
Saigal R, Mazhuppel Rechard E, Sivanandam LK. Stroke Mimic in a Cancer Survivor: A Rare Case of SMART (Stroke-Like Migraine Attacks After Radiation Therapy) Syndrome. Cureus. 2025 Sep 18;17(9):e92642. doi: 10.7759/cureus.92642. PMID: 41111678; PMCID: PMC12535379.