How to Diagnose Weber Syndrome
Known as a superior alternating hemiplegia, Weber syndrome is characterized by malfunctions and hemorrhages of the eye nerves. Partial paralysis of one side of the body may accompany it, and it is usually caused by a tumor, occlusion, aneurysm, lack of myelin in the body or, rarely, inflammation of the brain. Read on to learn how to diagnose Weber syndrome.
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Instructions
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Your doctor's first attempt to diagnose your symptoms will begin with a routine physical examination. Responses of the reflexes, jaw, eyes, tongue and gag reflex will all be checked to determine the extent of the paralysis symptoms. Motor strength and sensory response to stimuli may also be checked out.
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Understand that your doctor or neurologist will access your medical history or ask you detailed questions about it. The purpose of this is to determine whether your symptoms may be caused by an underlying neurological condition, of which Weber syndrome is but one of many possibilities.
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Know that Weber syndrome can develop as a complication of chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Because demyelination, the stripping away of the myelin coating of your nerves, is a common cause of Weber's syndrome, your doctor needs to know whether you have a condition that facilitates demyelination.
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Tell your doctor if you have experienced heavy-metal poisoning or have ingested an unhealthy amount of mercury. Both strip the myelin coating away from nerves in your brain.
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Understand that your doctor will make use of medical-imaging technologies to take pictures of your brain and search for abnormalities. The two most common methods used in hospitals today are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed topography (CT) scanning.
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Know that lesions, tumors, occlusions or vascular deficiencies located in the mid-brain region are the most common causes of the neurological symptoms seen in Weber's syndrome patients. Your doctor will diagnose Weber's syndrome based on your reports of symptoms, physical symptoms the doctor has observed directly and the results of MRI or CT scanning.
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Understand that brain surgery may be necessary to correct the vascular or tumor problems causing Weber's syndrome. Your doctor or neurologist will discuss your treatment regimen in more detail upon diagnosis.
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Tips & Warnings
Weber's syndrome is difficult to diagnose because a number of neurological conditions can cause similar symptoms. It is always a good idea to seek a second opinion.
The sudden onset of partial body paralysis may be a sign that you are having a stroke. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you experience any such symptoms.
