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Wallenberg Syndrome - Oren Zarif - Wallenberg Syndrome

Writer's picture: Oren ZarifOren Zarif

Wallenberg syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that presents with a characteristic pattern of symptoms. The signs and symptoms are dizziness, loss of balance, gait instability, hoarseness of voice, and difficulty swallowing. It can progress over hours or days. The diagnosis is made based on a combination of the patient's history and clinical examination. However, patients with this disorder rarely experience weakness is not a symptom of the disorder.

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Doctors diagnose the disorder by reviewing the patient's medical history and performing imaging tests to rule out other causes. If imaging studies indicate a block in the artery near the lateral medulla, the diagnosis of Wallenberg syndrome is confirmed. Although there is no cure for the condition, doctors can treat the symptoms. Some doctors may recommend swallowing therapy or a feeding tube in severe cases. For patients with the condition, it may be difficult to eat or drink due to pain, which can also result in swallowing difficulties.

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The prognosis for patients with Wallenberg syndrome depends on the location of the stroke in the brain stem and the size of the infarcted area. While the disease may appear to improve in some patients after a few weeks, many will still have significant neurological disabilities. Treatment should focus on reducing the size of the infarction and prevent further complications. Although the outlook for recovery varies, early physical and occupational therapy and medication can help improve functional outcomes.

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Signs of Wallenberg syndrome include saccadic abnormalities and gaze-holding abnormalities. For instance, patients with lateral medullary lesions may exhibit horizontal saccades away from the lesion, while those with ipsilateral medullary lesions may exhibit vertical nystagmus. Furthermore, patients with the disorder may exhibit impaired contralateral pursuit. Further, the patient may also experience ipsipulsion or torsipulsion of the eyes.

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As with many other conditions, Wallenberg syndrome is caused by a stroke in the brain stem. In addition to swallowing difficulties, it can cause nausea, dizziness, and difficulty with balance. Some people may also experience lack of temperature sensation on one side of their face. This is the primary symptom of the disease. Although symptoms can improve quickly, long-term neurological issues may be present. If left untreated, the condition could result in permanent damage to the brain.

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While Wallenberg syndrome can be characterized by significant gait instability, it is still a complication of acute ischemic stroke and may result in permanent disability. Early physical and occupational therapy is critical to the recovery of patients with this syndrome. The prognosis is better with early physical therapy and occupational therapy. And a full recovery is possible when the symptoms are managed appropriately. If the disease has been diagnosed early, it may be possible to reverse the effects of the stroke.

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There is no definitive cause for Wallenberg syndrome. Some researchers have found a connection between artery disease and wallenberg syndrome. In addition, there may be a connection between lateral medullary infarction and pregnancy. Researchers are currently studying whether these two conditions are linked. Further research is needed to fully understand this disorder. The symptoms of Wallenberg syndrome vary between patients. The prognosis is good in most cases. In addition to the symptoms, doctors often perform provocation tests to evaluate the function of the vertebrobasilar artery.

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Other conditions associated with WS include multiple sclerosis, arteriovenous malformation, and metastatic cancer. There are a number of treatments available for these conditions. Depending on the severity of the disease, patients may be prescribed specific medications to manage their symptoms. And if their condition does not respond to these medications, they may undergo neuropsychiatric rehabilitation. This can be life-altering for some people. The symptoms can include severe pain, vomiting, or dizziness.

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Other signs and symptoms of WS include sensory deficits in the opposite or same side of the infarction. The patient may also experience loss of pain or temperature sensation. While the crossing finding is the most reliable diagnosis of the syndrome, patients with this disorder may experience other clinical symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, ataxia, palatal myoclonus, facial pain, and vertigo. However, patients with WS may have more difficulty swallowing than normal patients.

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