Description

Saposnik et al developed the concept of the pontine warning syndrome (PWS) to identify a patient at risk for a pontine infarct. These patients may benefit from more aggressive management and preventive measures. The authors are from St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto and Beth Israel Medical Center.


 

The pontine warning syndrome consists of recurrent stereotyped episodes which may consist of:

(1) motor dysfunction

(2) sensory dysfunction

(3) dysarthria

(4) ophthalmoplegia (horizontal gaze palsy, other).

 

The episodes may show a fluctuating course.

 

A patient with the PWS is at high risk for pontine infarction, typically associated with basilar artery branch disease.

 


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