Brain Stem Gliomas physical examination

Common physical examination findings of diffuse brainstem gliomas include cranial nerve deficit, pyramidal tract signs, and ataxia whereas that of focal gliomas are diplopia, ophthalmoplegia, Parinaud syndrome, loss of accommodation, and light-near dissociation. The presence of facial sensory loss, dysphagia, and dysphonia on physical examination is diagnostic of cervicomedullary brainstem gliomas.

Common physical examination findings of brainstem gliomas include:^[1][2]

• Most common signs of brain stem gliomas include:
  • Cranial nerve deficit
    • Sixth and seventh cranial nerves are commonly involved
  • Pyramidal tract signs
  • Ataxia

• For tectal lesions, common signs include:
  • Diplopia
  • Ophthalmoplegia
  • Parinaud syndrome
  • Loss of accommodation
  • Light-near dissociation

• For cervicomedullary lesions, common signs include:
  • Sensory loss of the face
  • Dysphagia
  • Dysphonia

Template:WH Template:WS