Parinaud syndrome

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Parinaud Syndrome, also known as Dorsal Midbrain Syndrome, is a neurological disorder characterized by a group of abnormalities affecting eye movements and pupil responses. It is named after Henri Parinaud, a French ophthalmologist who first described the condition in the late 19th century. This syndrome is indicative of a lesion in the dorsal midbrain and presents with a classic triad of symptoms: paralysis of upward gaze, pupillary abnormalities, and convergence-retraction nystagmus.

Etiology[edit | edit source]

The primary cause of Parinaud Syndrome is damage to the midbrain, specifically the area around the rostral interstitial nucleus of the medial longitudinal fasciculus (riMLF) and the superior colliculi. This damage can result from various factors, including tumors, multiple sclerosis, stroke, hydrocephalus, and infections of the brain.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Patients with Parinaud Syndrome exhibit a characteristic set of symptoms, often referred to as the Parinaud's triad:

  • Paralysis of Upward Gaze: Difficulty or inability to move the eyes upward.
  • Pupillary Abnormalities: This includes light-near dissociation, where the pupils do not constrict in response to light but do constrict with convergence.
  • Convergence-Retraction Nystagmus: A specific type of nystagmus observed when the patient attempts to look upward, characterized by the eyeballs retracting into the head and converging.

Additional symptoms may include eyelid abnormalities such as Collier's sign (retracted upper eyelids), light-near dissociation, and blurred vision.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of Parinaud Syndrome involves a comprehensive neurological examination, focusing on the eye movements and pupil responses. Imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, are crucial for identifying the underlying cause of the midbrain lesion. In some cases, lumbar puncture and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may be necessary to diagnose infections or inflammatory conditions.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment of Parinaud Syndrome is primarily aimed at addressing the underlying cause of the midbrain lesion. This may involve surgical removal of tumors, treatment of infections with antibiotics or antiviral medications, and management of hydrocephalus with shunting procedures. Symptomatic treatment for eye movement disorders may include the use of prisms in glasses to correct double vision or botulinum toxin injections for nystagmus.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for individuals with Parinaud Syndrome varies depending on the underlying cause of the midbrain lesion. In cases where the cause can be effectively treated, patients may experience significant improvement in symptoms. However, permanent eye movement abnormalities may persist in some cases.


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD