Benedikt syndrome explained

Benedikt syndrome
Synonyms:	Paramedian midbrain syndrome

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.

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^[1] or paramedian penetrating branches of the basilar artery.^[2]

Diagnosis

• Oculomotor nerve palsy: eyeball gazing downward and outward position, diplopia, miosis, mydriasis, 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.^[3]

See also

• Claude's syndrome
• Wallenberg syndrome

Notes and References

1. 15607218 . Jan 2005 . Akdal G, Kutluk K, Men S, Yaka E . Benedikt and "plus-minus lid" syndromes arising from posterior cerebral artery branch occlusion . 228 . 1 . 105–107 . 10.1016/j.jns.2004.09.029 . Journal of the Neurological Sciences. 2317640 .
2. 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
3. 18826349 . Oct 2008 . Bandt SK, Anderson D, Biller J . Deep brain stimulation as an effective treatment option for post-midbrain infarction-related tremor as it presents with Benedikt syndrome . 109 . 4 . 635–639 . 10.3171/JNS/2008/109/10/0635 . Journal of Neurosurgery. free .