Summary
Wallenberg syndrome is a neurological condition caused by a lateral medullary infarction, which results from occlusion of either the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) or the vertebral artery. For this reason, it is also referred to as lateral medullary syndrome or PICA syndrome. Symptoms include ipsilateral Horner syndrome, palate weakness, hemiataxia, and contralateral sensory disturbances. Management is supportive, and may include swallowing and speech therapy, as well as a feeding tube in some cases.
Etiology
- Ischemic occlusion of the:
Clinical features
| Overview [1] | ||
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| Clinical features | Structure affected | |
| Ipsilateral |
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| Contralateral |
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Diagnosis
- See stroke
- HINTS exam
- Imaging
- Diffusion-weighted MRI (confirmatory test): Shows infarct in the inferior cerebellar area or lateral medulla
- See ischemic stroke for specific imaging findings and other modalities.
Treatment
- See “Stroke.”
- Additional supportive therapy: speech and swallowing therapy