Transient Aphasia Following Resection of a Thalamic Cavernous Malformation.

BACKGROUND: The thalamus has a demonstrated role in language, particularly through its connectivity to frontal language cortices. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 59-year-old man with transient mixed aphasia following resection of a left-sided thalamic cavernous malformation is reported. No operative complications were encountered, and there was no surgical contact with cortical language areas. The patient recovered full language function within a week postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The role of thalamic nuclei in language processes and other reports of transient thalamic aphasia are reviewed.