Transient ageusia and dysgeusia following thalamic cyst drainage

Abstract

Taste consists of sensation and perception. Specific neural structures transmit a stimulus from the taste buds to the gustatory cortex to generate taste sensation. Any disruption of this pathway, whether it affects sensation or perception, can result in taste disorders. Stereotactic procedures involving the thalamus may result in gustatory complications. A 41-year-old female patient who underwent stereotactic drainage of a thalamic cyst suffered transient ageusia. Subsequently, she developed metallic taste perception. When her stereotactic plan was re-evaluated, it was noted that the posteromedial ventral thalamus nucleus was in the path of the needle tract and the needle had passed through it. Follow-up was recommended and her symptoms completely resolved within 2 months following surgery. Modern imaging techniques allow for the visualization of neural structures related to the sense of taste. Additionally, care must be taken when planning stereotactic procedures for such lesions.