clinical features

Last reviewed 07/2023

Specific clinical features suggest the structure affected by infarction within the brainstem:

Feature: Structure:

  • diplopia oculomotor system
  • facial numbness cranial V nuclei
  • facial weakness (LMN) cranial VII nuclei
  • dysphagia, dysarthria cranial IX, X nuclei
  • hemiparesis / tetraparesis corticospinal tracts
  • sensory loss medial lemniscus / spinothalamic tracts
  • nystagmus, vertigo vestibular connections
  • dysarthria, ataxia, brain stem and cerebellar vomiting, hiccups connections
  • Horner's syndrome sympathetic fibres
  • altered consciousness reticular activating system