Lateral medullary syndrome
Background
- Also known as Wallenberg syndrome, PICA syndrome
- Caused by occlusion of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA)
- Can also be caused by occlusion of the vertebral artery at the origin of PICA
Clinical Features
- Contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation to body
- Ipsilateral loss of pain and temperature sensation to face
- Dysphagia, soft palate paralysis, hoarseness, diminished gag reflex
- Ipsilateral Horner syndrome
- Nausea, diplopia, patient that is falling to the ipsilateral side, nystagmus, vertigo
- Ataxia to the ipsilateral side
Differential Diagnosis
Evaluation
- See Stroke
Management
- See Stroke