The thalamus is a major relay center of the brain locaed between the cerebral cortex and the midbrain.
It regulates motor and sensory function as well as sleeping and waking states.
It is supplied by 4 arterial systems (3 from the vertebrobasilar system; 1 from the posterior communicating system) such that strokes within these territories result in 4 distinct clinical syndromes, including syndromes consisting of pure sensory, arousal, and memory deficits.
Thalamic strokes are thought to be more common in young people, associated with smoking and hypertension, and of poorer prognosis when presented with loss of consciousness.
References
Ocariz, et al. Thalamic Vascular Lesions. Stroke. 1996; 27: 1530-1536.
Schmahmann J. Vascular Syndromes of the Thalamus. Stroke 2003: 34: 2264 - 2278.
