The Jugular Foramen Syndrome describes a collection of neurologic deficits resulting from injury to nerves passing through the jugular foramen. The jugular foramen is located between the petrous and occipital bone at the posterior end of the petro-occipital suture.
Synonym: Vernet's syndrome
Diagnosis
CN IX
CN X
CN XI
CN XII
Other
JFS
x
x
x
Cranial Nerve
Clinical Findings If Damaged
IX (glossopharyngeal)
loss of taste in the posterior third of the tongue
X (vagus)
paralysis of the palate and vocal cords
XI (accessory, spinal)
weakness of the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles
Additional findings:
(1) anesthesia of the palate, pharynx and larynx (from involvement of CN IX and X)
Other structures passing through the jugular foramen:
(1) inferior petrosal sinus
(2) posterior aspect of the inferior jugular vein
(3) posterior meningeal artery
Usually only one jugular foramen is affected although involvement of both may occur. The weakness of the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles should indicate the involved side.
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