Benedikt syndrome
Benedikt syndrome, also called Benedikts 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.

Signs and symptoms
It is characterized by the presence of an  oculomotor nerve (CN III) palsy and cerebellar ataxia including tremor and involuntary choreoathetotic movements. Neuroanatomical structures affected include the oculomotor nucleus, red nucleus, corticospinal tracts and superior cerebellar peduncle decussation. It has a similar cause, morphology, signs and symptoms to Webers syndrome; the main difference between the two being that Webers is more associated with hemiplegia (i.e. paralysis), and Benedikts with hemiataxia (i.e. disturbed coordination of movements). It is also similar to Claudes syndrome, but is distinguishable in that Benedikts has more predominant tremor and choreoathetotic movements while Claudes is more marked by the ataxia.

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 or paramedian penetrating branches of the basilar artery.

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.

See also
Claudes syndrome
Wallenberg syndrome

References


== External links ==