About wallenbergs syndrome
What is wallenbergs syndrome?
Some people with Wallenberg's syndrome have difficulty balancing while walking because they feel like the world is tilting.
Wallenberg's syndrome, also called lateral medullary syndrome or Wallenberg syndrome, is a neurological condition that can develop when damage occurs in a part of the brainstem called the lateral medulla.
When one of the arteries of the brainstem is blocked, oxygenated blood can't get to the brain, and a stroke can occur.
If this happens, you may experience problems with muscle function and sensations throughout your body.
Wallenberg's syndrome is considered a rare disorder, affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States.
What are the symptoms for wallenbergs syndrome?
Loss of balance with gait instability symptom was found in the wallenbergs syndrome condition
The brain stem is in charge of delivering messages to the spinal cord for motor and sensory function. A stroke in this area causes problems with how the person’s muscles function and sensations are perceived. The most common symptom people with Wallenberg syndrome have is dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. This can become very serious if it affects how much nutrition you’re getting. Other symptoms include:
- hoarseness
- nausea
- vomiting
- hiccups
- rapid eye movements, or nystagmus
- a decrease in sweating
- problems with body temperature sensation
- dizziness
- difficulty walking
- difficulty maintaining balance
Sometimes, people with Wallenberg syndrome experience Paralysis or Numbness on one side of the body. This can occur in the limbs, in the face, or even in a small area like the tongue. You can also experience a difference in how hot or cold something is on one side of the body. Some people will walk at a slant or report that everything around them seems tilted or off balance.
The syndrome can also cause bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, and low or high blood pressure. Discuss any symptoms you have with your doctor. Every bit of information can help them make a diagnosis.
What are the causes for wallenbergs syndrome?
Usually, faulty modifications (mutations) in the EZH2 gene result in Wallenberg syndrome. The EZH2 gene functions wrongly as a result of these detrimental alterations. The EZH2 gene has the ability to methylate, or switch on and off, other genes. The fact that Wallenberg syndrome affects numerous body systems is due to the influence of the EZH2 gene on the operation of numerous other genes. However, it is unknown how these modifications result in the precise Wallenberg syndrome symptoms. Some Wallenberg syndrome patients do not have an EZH2 gene mutation.
WS has an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. When a certain condition can be brought on by a single defective gene, this is known as a dominant genetic disorder. The defective gene is inherited from an affected parent in roughly 50% of cases. One of the EZH2 genes in the affected person experiences a fresh (de novo) modification in the other half. Each pregnancy has a 50% probability of transferring the non-functioning gene from an afflicted parent to the fetus. Both men and women are equally prone to get this condition.
Treatment for Wallenberg syndrome
1. To provide the patient with the best chance of recovery, treating Wallenberg syndrome involves a quick reaction and well-coordinated team effort including clinicians, nurses, and pharmacists.
2. The coordination of the patient's care, monitoring, and patient education should ideally be assisted by a neurologist with specialized training and a neurology specialty nurse, who would also keep the other team members informed of any findings and problems.
3. In addition to helping with appropriate dosing and patient education, the pharmacist should look for possible drug-drug interactions and evaluate whether any medication changes are required. If so, they should coordinate with the clinical staff.
4. A multidisciplinary approach will produce better results.
Symptoms
Dizziness with vertigo,Loss of balance with gait instability,Hoarseness of voice,Difficulty swallowing
Conditions
Infarction, or stroke, occurs in the lateral medulla, Diabetes
Drugs
Gabapentin
What are the treatments for wallenbergs syndrome?
No cure is available for this condition, but your doctor will probably focus treatment on relieving or eliminating your symptoms. They may prescribe speech and swallowing therapy to help you learn to swallow again. They may also recommend a feeding tube if your condition is severe. This can help provide you with the nutrients you need.
Your doctor may prescribe medication. Pain medication can help treat chronic or long-lasting pain. Alternatively, they may prescribe a blood thinner, such as heparin or warfarin, to help reduce or dissolve the blockage in the artery. This can also help to prevent future blood clots from forming. Sometimes an anti-epileptic or antiseizure drug called gabapentin can help with your symptoms.
Surgery may be an option to remove the clot in extreme cases. This is not as common of a treatment due to the difficulty of getting to that area of the brain.
Make sure to discuss your treatment options with your doctor and follow the plan carefully.
What are the risk factors for wallenbergs syndrome?
Researchers have yet to figure out why this type of stroke occurs. However, some researchers have found a connection between those who have artery disease, heart disease, blood clots, or minor neck trauma from rotational activities and Wallenberg syndrome. Minor neck trauma is a common cause among people younger than 45. You should tell your doctor if you have a history of any of these problems.
Is there a cure/medications for wallenbergs syndrome?
The long-term outlook for people with Wallenberg syndrome is fairly positive. A successful recovery depends on where the stroke happened in the brainstem. It also depends on how much damage occurred. Some people can recover between a few weeks to six months after treatment. Others with more significant damage may have trouble or more permanent disabilities. You should discuss your long-term outlook with your doctor if you have any questions. Be sure to follow your treatment plan carefully to ensure your best chances for a full recovery.