J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2007 Mar;41(3):190-192. 10.3340/jkns.2007.41.3.190.

Downbeat Nystagmus Associated With Brainstem Compression by Vertebral Artery

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. bdkwun@amc.seoul.kr
  • 2Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Abstract

Rarely, downbeat nystagmus can occur due to compression of the lower brainstem by the ectatic vertebral artery and be resolved by microvascular decompression. We present a case of a 67-year-old man with downbeat nystagmus associated with brainstem compression by ectatic vertebral artery. He presented with oscillopsia and vertigo. When he turned his head upward, his symptoms were aggravated and a gait disturbance occurred. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomographic angiography demonstrated compression of the medulla oblongata by the left ectatic vertebral artery and other medical causes of downbeat nystagmus were ruled out. Retromastoid craniotomy was performed and after lifting the vertebral artery off the medulla, a trough-shaped indentation in the lower brainstem was identified. The ectatic vertebral artery was repositioned and a Teflon was inserted between the brainstem and the ectatic vertebral artery. Postoperatively, downbeat nystagmus had disappeared.

Keyword

Downbeat nystagmus; Ectatic vertebral artery; Microvascular decompression

MeSH Terms

Aged
Angiography
Brain Stem*
Craniotomy
Gait
Head
Humans
Lifting
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Medulla Oblongata
Microvascular Decompression Surgery
Polytetrafluoroethylene
Vertebral Artery*
Vertigo
Polytetrafluoroethylene
Full Text Links
  • JKNS
Actions
Cited
CITED
export Copy
Close
Share
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
Similar articles
Copyright © 2024 by Korean Association of Medical Journal Editors. All rights reserved.     E-mail: koreamed@kamje.or.kr