Wallenberg-Zakharchenko syndrome is a brain damage in connection with a violation of its blood supply. This syndrome is named after scientists who described it almost simultaneously. Often it is called the dorsolateral medullary syndrome. There is an ailment due to stroke-like thrombosis of the posterior artery. It is she who is responsible for the supply of blood to the cerebellum.
Disease Description
A person rarely loses consciousness in Wallenberg-Zakharchenko syndrome, but there are bouts of severe dizziness, which provokes a loss of balance, since the cerebellar arteries suffer.
In addition, there is a hiccup or urge to vomit, as well as a symptom of mild stupor.
Atherosclerosis can lead to thrombosis. However, there are frequent cases of vertebral artery endarteritis , which has a syphilitic type, or rheumatic vasculitis.
A slow lesion of a thrombotic or non-thrombotic nature occurs. The most commonly affected area is the vertebral or basilar artery.
Wallenberg - Zakharchenko syndrome occurs with periods of improvement in well-being and its deterioration. But at the same time, the process of disease progression occurs.
How can the syndrome manifest itself?
It can develop in five ways. It completely depends on where the center of pathology is located and what clinical signs are present.
Consider the types of syndrome in more detail.
Main type
The Research Institute of Neurology confirms that with this ailment the following symptoms occur:
- Horner's syndrome ;
- dissociated disturbances in the sensation of surfaces located in the middle and caudal zones of Zelder;
- cerebellar hemiaxia;
- paralysis of the muscles of the soft palate and vocal cords.
More rare types of development
What else could Wallenberg-Zakharchenko syndrome be? There are some less common forms. It happens that the lower part of the warolium bridge is captured due to the fact that the posterior lower cerebellar artery strongly recedes.
Often with this type of ailment, there is a manifestation of additional signs that are divided into two groups - there is an inferiority of the sixth or seventh nerve.
When the tail sections in the medulla oblongata are destroyed in the process, the retreat of the cerebellar artery decreases. The same ipsilateral symptoms are present as with the original type of syndrome.
Often the appearance of triplegia or cross hemiplegia. So the alternating Wallenberg-Zakharchenko syndrome is manifested.
In case of damage to the center of the spinal path of the trigeminal nerve or its root, one more form of Wallenberg syndrome - Zakharchenko is said.
There may be a violation of the pathways that are responsible for the sensitivity of the opposite part of the face. There are no discordant changes in the upper sensitivity on the face. That is, those sites that belong to the Zelder zone. May cover face hemigipesthesia of surface susceptibility. There is an extension of the painful focus, since the conductors from the second side of the face are turned on. This is characterized by the same features as in the first type, only more extensively.
Clinical signs of the syndrome
What data does the Research Institute of Neurology provide on this score? With this syndrome, a wide variety of symptoms are observed:
- it is difficult for a person to swallow;
- his speech is disturbed;
- part of the soft palate ceases to be active;
- vocal cords move poorly;
- Horner's syndrome occurs;
- vestibular cerebellar signs appear (empty movements of the legs, arms, strong tremor, balance is disturbed);
- temperature or pain on the opposite side of the lesion are absent; headache appears on the affected side or throughout the face.
So most often manifests Wallenberg - Zakharchenko syndrome.
All these clinical signs arise because the posterior lower cerebellar artery overlaps. External areas of the medulla oblongata die as a result of this.
Namely, the place where the trigeminal nerve is located (descending and ascending bundles, sympathetic fibers).
Treatment methods
Hemorrhage is absent most often, the disease does not threaten death. But if left untreated, various life-threatening complications may develop. Therefore, if the above symptoms appear, then measures should be taken immediately.
As soon as Wallenberg-Zakharchenko syndrome first appeared, vital brain functions must be stabilized, tissue edema removed. It is better to carry out all manipulations in the first hours after an attack.
Less damage will occur if help is provided in a timely manner. The recovery process will be easier and faster. With prolonged failure to provide assistance, irreversible changes occur, and this, in turn, provokes human disability.
If breathing is impaired, then oxygen therapy is necessary. To do this, use a mask or mechanical ventilation.
What else needs to be done?
Cardiac activity must be maintained, as well as try to stabilize blood pressure at normal levels. Indeed, arterial hypertension often leads to Wallenberg-Zakharchenko syndrome. The patient should take medications to reduce blood pressure on an ongoing basis.
In addition, cardiac glycosides and nitrates are prescribed. It is necessary to normalize blood coagulability and its density. Neuroprotectors protect brain cells. With the help of special drugs, pain is relieved, muscles are relaxed. Anticonvulsant and sedative drugs are also often prescribed.
Wallenberg - Zakharchenko syndrome is examined in detail in this article.