Importance of Rapid Clinical Recognition of the Anterior Opercular Syndrome (Foix-Chavany-Marie Syndrome): A Case Report

Abstract

We have described a 55-year-old woman with the anterior opercular syndrome (Foix-Chavany-Marie syndrome). The clinical presentation included acute onset of bilateral facial palsy and anarthria. Immediate MRI of the brain revealed acute ischemia in the right opercular region and sequelae after a previous infarction involving the left opercular region. The patient was treated with intravenous thrombolysis resulting in full recovery. The anterior opercular syndrome is rare, and the most common reason is sequential stroke. We emphasize the importance of recognizing this syndrome early, and in all cases, consulting a revascularization center immediately.

Keywords

• acute anarthria
• anterior opercular syndrome
• foix-chavany-marie syndrome
• facio-pharyngo-glossal diplegia
• automatic-voluntary movement dissociation