Brain Sciences
Neuropsychological and Cardiovascular Autonomic Findings Across Thalamic and Insular Stroke: A Narrative Review
By Evniki Ntinopoulou, Panayiotis Patrikelis, Theodoros Fasilis and 5 others.
Abstract
Background
The insula and thalamus are components of the central autonomic network, which supports cardiovascular autonomic regulation and the integration of cognitive and affective processes. Both regions are therefore relevant to understanding the neuropsychological sequelae and cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction following stroke.
Objective
This narrative review aimed to synthesize current evidence on the neuropsychological and cardiovascular autonomic consequences of insular and thalamic stroke using a narrative approach and to identify gaps in the integration of these domains.
Methods
A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from database inception through 3 October 2026. Eligible studies investigated domain-specific neuropsychological outcomes and/or physiological measures of cardiovascular autonomic function following thalamic or insular stroke. Data on study design, participant characteristics, assessment timing, outcome measures, main findings, and methodological limitations were synthesized according to lesion location and outcome domain.