Opalski Syndrome: An Intricate Case of Lateral Medullary Infarction With Unconventional Neurological Features and Diagnostic Challenges

Abstract

Opalski syndrome is a rare variant of Wallenberg syndrome characterized by ipsilateral hemiparesis. We present a case involving a 50-year-old male who exhibited symptoms of right-sided upper and lower limb weakness, dizziness, and ataxia. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified an infarction in the right lateral medulla. This case displayed several unique and atypical features, including the negative Babinski sign, absence of dysphagia, and dysarthria. The diagnosis was confirmed through meticulous clinical examination and advanced radiological investigations, such as MRI. This case report underscores the critical importance of thorough clinical evaluation and the correlation of findings with radiological investigations to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with Opalski syndrome.