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$Title{What is Wallenberg Syndrome?}
$Subject{arteries wallenberg's ill defined symptoms symptom circulatory system
systems wallenberg syndrome stroke carotid vertebral circle willis heart brain
blood flow inferior cerebellar artery eye throat vocal chords swallowing
corneal vision vertigo vomiting hiccups angiography electroencephalograms
anticoagulants syndromes strokes circles eyes voice swallow sight dizzy
dizziness vomit hiccup angiographies electroencephalogram anticoagulant}
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Sclerotic Arteries of the Brain*0002502.scf
Causes and Symptoms of Vertigo*0007501.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is Wallenberg Syndrome?


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QUESTION:  My husband had what they called a different kind of stroke called
Wallenberg Syndrome.  I have not been able to find the cause or problem
connected with it.  I would like to know what you can tell me about this
condition?

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ANSWER:  Blood arrives from the heart to nourish the brain through a number of
arteries, the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries among them.
These vessels form an unusual series of connections at the base of the brain
called the Circle of Willis, which assures blood flow to many areas of the
brain.  However, when one of these arteries or their smaller branches become
clogged, a portion of the brain will be without needed nourishment or oxygen,
and no longer be able to function.  In Wallenberg Syndrome either the
vertebral artery or one of its connections, the inferior cerebellar artery, or
both become blocked.  Since they serve portions of the brain that serve the
eye and throat, there may be loss of function of the vocal chords on one side,
difficulty in swallowing, loss of corneal reflexes, double vision, as well as
vertigo, vomiting and hiccups.  The condition may be diagnosed with the aid of
angiography which displays the arteries or electroencephalograms which detect
brain waves.  Treatment includes the use of medications to thin the blood
(anticoagulants), and the symptoms may disappear suddenly or after a period of
months in many cases.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.