The Villaret Syndrome is associated with involvement of the lower four cranial nerves (cranial nerves IX to XII), as seen in the Collet-Sicard Syndrome, plus the presence of Horner's Syndrome
Synonym: posterior retropharyngeal syndrome
Diagnosis
CN IX
CN X
CN XI
CN XII
Other
VS
x
x
x
x
Horner
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
XII (hypoglossal)
paralysis of the tongue
Additional findings:
(1) anesthesia of the palate, pharynx and larynx (due to involvement of CN IX and X)
(2) Horner's syndrome (associated with paralysis of cervical sympathetic nerves)
Usually only one side is affected although bilateral involvement may occur. The weakness of the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles should indicate the involved side. The tongue will deviate to the affected (paralyzed) side.
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