Wallenberg syndrome with ipsilateral upper motor neuron facial palsy: A rare manifestation

Abstract

Lateral medullary syndrome presents with features of ipsilateral Horner syndrome, ipsilateral ataxia, and contralateral hyperalgesia. Patients can have ipsilateral lower motor neuron-type of facial palsy if there is rostral extension of the infarct as it involves the facial nucleus. Presence of ipsilateral upper motor neuron facial palsy is rare, which is due to the involvement of the corticofacial fibers which ascend in the dorsal medulla to reach the facial nerve nucleus. Our case supports the presence of this hypothetical neuroanatomical loop of supranuclear corticofacial fibers.

Keywords

• facial palsy
• lateral medullary syndrome
• wallenberg syndrome