The claustrum is a thin sheet of grey matter lying between the external capsule medially and the extreme capsule laterally, deep to the insula. It is connected in both directions with almost every region of the cortex. Although often grouped with the basal ganglia, its function is still not fully understood.
| Location | Between the external capsule and extreme capsule, beneath the insular cortex |
|---|---|
| Connections |
|
| Blood Supply | Middle cerebral artery (insular branches); Lenticulostriate arteries (lateral group) |
Thought to coordinate activity across cortical areas, supporting attention and the integration of sensory information.
Because of its widespread cortical connections, the claustrum has been proposed as a coordinator of attention and conscious awareness. Bilateral claustral signal changes on MRI (the claustrum sign) have been described in some forms of severe new-onset epilepsy and encephalitis. Isolated claustral lesions are rare.
Bilateral MRI signal change in the claustrum seen in some cases of new-onset refractory status epilepticus.
Inflammatory encephalitis that may involve the claustrum and insula, causing seizures and confusion.
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