Injury of the lateral vestibulospinal tract in a patient with the lateral medullary syndrome: Case report

摘要

Rationale: Lateral medullary syndrome is a central vestibular disorder characterized by vertigo and ataxia. We report on a patient with injury of the lateral vestibulospinal tract (VST) following lateral medullary syndrome , detected on diffusion tensor tractography (DTT). Patient concerns: A 56-year-old male patient was diagnosed with lateral medullary syndrome due to an infarction in the posterior inferior cerebellar artery area. Diagnoses: Two weeks following the infarction, he was transferred to the rehabilitation department of the same university hospital with severe vertigo, ataxia (Berg balance scale: 16 point), and dysphasia. In contrast, he maintained good motor power and cognitive function (Mini-mental state test: 26 points). Interventions: N/A Outcomes: Both the patient's medial VSTs and left lateral VST were well-reconstructed. In contrast, the right lateral VST was not reconstructed. On DTT parameters of the VST, the patient's medial VSTs and left lateral VST did not differ significantly from the control subjects. Lessons: An injury of the right lateral VST was demonstrated in a patient with lateral medullary syndrome . We believe that the result will be helpful in clinical management and research for patients with lateral medullary syndrome .