Hypertension, hyperekplexia, and pyramidal paresis due to vascular compression of the medulla

Neurology. 2000 Nov 14;55(9):1381-4. doi: 10.1212/wnl.55.9.1381.

Abstract

MRI showed impingement of the vertebral artery on the left lateral medulla in two patients with arterial hypertension, exaggerated startle reflexes (hyperekplexia), and progressive spastic paresis. One patient underwent microvascular decompression with normalization of arterial hypertension, disappearance of hyperekplexia, and improvement of spastic paresis. The combination of arterial hypertension, hyperekplexia, and progressive spastic paresis should arouse suspicion of neurovascular compression of the lateral medulla.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / etiology*
  • Hypertension / pathology
  • Hypertension / physiopathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Medulla Oblongata / pathology
  • Medulla Oblongata / physiopathology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscles / physiopathology
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / complications*
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / pathology
  • Paresis / etiology*
  • Paresis / pathology
  • Paresis / physiopathology
  • Reflex, Startle / physiology*