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


Management

Disposition

See Also

External Links

References