Med.Sci 532

Structure-Function

This syndrome is characterized by difficulty in swallowing and hoarseness due to paralysis of the ipsilateral vocal cord.  In some cases taste may also be affected in the ipsilateral half of the tongue. The glossopharyngeal (IX) & vagus (X) are the primary cranial nerves involved in this syndrome. 

Occlusion of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) or branches from it leads to damage to the posterior lateral region of the medulla. Thus another name for this disorder is the 'lateral medullary plate syndrome'.

There is also likely to be loss of pain and temperature sensation on the ipsilateral face and contralateral body because of damage to the spinal trigeminal tract and spinothalamic tract, respectively.  If there is damage to the medullary reticular formation, an ipsilateral Horner syndrome may also be apparent in the patient.

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References

Wallenberg, Adolf

1862-1949