Benedikt syndrome, also called Benedikt's syndrome or paramedian midbrain syndrome, is a rare type of posterior circulation stroke of the brain, with a range of neurological symptoms affecting the midbrain, cerebellum and other related structures.
Ipsilateral third nerve palsy presenting with ptosis, abduction of eye. Contralateral flapping tremor.
Causes Benedikt syndrome is caused by a lesion (infarction, hemorrhage, tumor, or tuberculosis) in the tegmentum of the midbrain and cerebellum. Specifically, the median zone is impaired. It can result from occlusion of the posterior cerebral artery or paramedian penetrating branches of the basilar artery.AMA citation: Greenberg DA, Simon RP. Chapter 3. Disorders of Equilibrium. In: Greenberg DA, Simon RP, eds. Clinical Neurology. 7th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=5146162. Accessed July 21, 2012
Diagnosis Oculomotor nerve palsy: eyeball gazing downward and outward position, diplopia, mydriasis, ptosis and loss of accommodation reflex. Contralateral loss of proprioception and vibration sensations. Cerebellar ataxia: involuntary movements.
Treatment
Deep brain stimulation may provide relief from some symptoms of Benedikt syndrome, particularly the tremors associated with the disorder.
See also Claude's syndrome Wallenberg syndrome
References
External links