The Importance of Combined Antithrombotic Treatment for Capsular Warning Syndrome

Introduction

Capsular warning syndrome (CWS) is characterized by recurrent conventional episodes of motor and/or sensory deficits without cortical symptoms. The purpose of this case series study was to evaluate the safety and appropriate treatment for CWS to prevent the development of complete stroke.

Methods

We reviewed our hospital records and previous reports to find patients with neurologically fluctuating profiles, and excluded those with unknown details of initial treatment/final treatment of antiplatelet therapy or radiological findings.

Results

We retrieved two cases of CWS from our hospital, which presented motor and/or sensory symptoms followed by complete resolution without complete ischemia. The recurring episodes in both were unable to be stabilized by single antiplatelet therapy but were successfully managed using two or more antiplatelet drugs. In 11 previously reported cases of CWS, the recurring episode was frequency stabilized with plural antiplatelet therapy.

Conclusion

Multiplicate antiplatelet therapy is important for treatment of CWS, and caution is needed regarding hemorrhagic complications.