Benedikt's syndrome

Last reviewed 07/2023

Benedikt's Syndrome describes an ipsilateral III nerve palsy accompanied by contralateral 'cerebellar' tremor - a slow rhythmic tremor of the contralateral hand and foot, increased by excitement and voluntary movement, absent in sleep. It is a consequence of damage to the red nucleus - the outflow from the opposite cerebellar hemisphere. There may also be contralateral hyperaesthesia.

The syndrome may result from occlusion of the penetrating branches of the basilar artery in the midbrain.