Speech and Swallowing Profile in Lateral Medullary Syndrome (Wallenberg Syndrome) - A Single Case Study

Abstract

Lateral Medullary Syndrome is a rare condition which is presence of occlusion of the intra cranial segment of vertebral artery. 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. The syndrome can also cause bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, and low or high blood pressure. Other symptoms such as hoarseness, nausea, vomiting, hiccups, rapid eye movements, or nystagmus, a decrease in sweating, problems with body temperature sensation, dizziness, difficulty in walking and difficulty in maintaining balance. The most common symptom people with Wallenberg syndrome have is difficulty in swallowing. Involvement of nucleus ambiguous causes Dysphagia and dysarthria. A 73 years, male came for detailed Speech and Swallowing evaluation and diagnosed to have stroke in left lateral medullary infarct due to thrombosis of bulbar palsy. Currently he is under NG tube for feeding. This case study highlights on Speech and Swallowing profile on Lateral Medullary Syndrome