What is Wallenberg's syndrome?
Some people with Wallenberg's syndrome say that the world seems to be tilted in a disturbing way. This makes it difficult for them to keep their balance when they walk.
The outlook for people with Wallenberg's symptoms depends on the area of the brain stem that is damaged by the stroke. Some people's symptoms may decrease within weeks or months. Others may have significant neurological disabilities (such as epilepsy, learning disabilities, autism, attention deficit disorder, brain tumors, or cerebral palsy, among others) for years after the first symptoms appear.
Treatment for Wallenberg's syndrome focuses on easing the symptoms of the disorder. If swallowing is very difficult, a feeding tube may be necessary. Speech/swallowing therapy may help. In some cases, drugs may help reduce or eliminate pain. Some doctors report that the anti-epileptic drug gabapentin appears to help people with chronic (long-term) pain.
How can I or my loved one help improve care for people with Wallenberg's syndrome?
Consider participating in a clinical trial so clinicians and scientists can learn more about Wallenberg's syndrome and related disorders. Clinical research uses human volunteers to help researchers learn more about a disorder and perhaps find better ways to safely detect, treat, or prevent disease.
All types of volunteers are needed—those who are healthy or may have an illness or disease—of all different ages, sexes, races, and ethnicities to ensure that study results apply to as many people as possible, and that treatments will be safe and effective for everyone who will use them.
For information about participating in clinical research visit NIH Clinical Research Trials and You. Learn about clinical trials currently looking for people with Wallenberg's syndrome at Clinicaltrials.gov.
Where can I find more information about Wallenberg's syndrome?
The following organizations and resources may offer information on Wallenberg's syndrome:
American Heart Association
Phone: 800-242-8721 or 214-373-6300National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC)
Phone: 800-346-2742