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  Wallenberg's Syndrome 
Synonym(s):  Lateral Medullary Syndrome
Reviewed  07-01-2001  

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Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)

What is Wallenberg's Syndrome?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?

Organizations

What is Wallenberg's Syndrome?
Wallenberg's syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by swallowing difficulties and hoarseness which results from paralysis of a portion of the vocal cord. The disorder is generally caused by a blockage in a vertebral or cerebellar artery. Symptoms may include dizziness, a loss of pain or temperature sensitivity, some paralysis of the facial muscles, and a loss of taste. Individuals with the disorder frequently report an unsettling tilt of their environment, which affects their balance.

Is there any treatment?
Treatment for Wallenberg’s syndrome is symptomatic. If swallowing is greatly impaired, a feeding tube may be needed. Therapy and intraoral appliances may aid speech and swallowing. In some cases, medication reduces or eliminates pain.

What is the prognosis?
Individuals with Wallenberg's syndrome may experience a lessening of their symptoms as a result of medical intervention. For some patients, symptoms dissipate after a few weeks of treatment.

What research is being done?
The NINDS supports and conducts a wide range of research on disorders involving paralysis such as Wallenberg’s syndrome. Much of this research focuses on finding ways to prevent, treat, and, ultimately, cure these disorders.

Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.

 Organizations

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 1968
(55 Kenosia Avenue)
Danbury, CT 06813-1968
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org
Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-798-2291

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
Executive Office Center
2101 East Jefferson St., Ste. 501
Rockville, MD 20852
info@ahrq.gov
http://www.ahrq.gov
Tel: 301-594-1360 800-358-9295

American Heart Association
7272 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75231-4596
inquiries@heart.org
http://www.americanheart.org
Tel: 800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) 214-373-6300
Fax: 214-369-3685

National Stroke Association
9707 East Easter Lane
Englewood, CO 80112-3747
info@stroke.org
http://www.stroke.org
Tel: 303-649-9299 800-STROKES (787-6537)
Fax: 303-649-1328

National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC)
4200 Forbes Boulevard
Suite 202
Lanham, MD 20706-4829
naricinfo@heitechservices.com
http://www.naric.com
Tel: 301-562-2400 800-346-2742
Fax: 301-562-2401


NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.


Provided by:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892




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