What is Lateral Medullary Syndrome?
When ischemia of lateral medulla occurs it manifests as lateral medullary syndrome. Medulla is a part of brainstem. It controls many autonomic functions. The ischemia is mostly the result of thrombosis of vertebral artery or posterior inferior cerebellar artery. It is also called the PICA syndrome. Presents as: sensory deficit of trunk and limbs on opposite side and face on ipsilateral side. The loss of pain and temperature seen with ataxia, nystagmous and vertigo. The disease is diagnosed by examination of vestibular related symptoms to locate were in medulla the issue is. Ct and MRI are helpful as well. Management depends on how quickly the diagnosis was made. Symptom relief is done and rehab is started. Rehab includes speech therapy mainly.
