| Summary: | Background: Wallenberg Syndrome (WS), or lateral medullary syndrome, is a rare condition that occurs after an infarction or stroke in the lateral medulla oblongata in the brainstem. Due to the many structures, nuclei, tracts, and fibres that compose the lateral medulla, WS has a characteristic constellation of symptoms. This may consist of eye movement abnormalities, visual midline shift syndrome (VMSS), Horner’s syndrome, speech and language deficits, vertigo, nausea, and vomiting, along with varying degrees of head/body/limb sensory-motor dysfunctions that can affect posture and balance. This case report analyzes and discusses the clinical findings and the acute optometric treatment and neurovisual processing rehabilitation (NVPR) that were provided to a patient in Canada with Wallenberg syndrome, as well as how NVPR facilitated functional recovery. Case Report: A 67-year-old Caucasian male presented with acute diplopia, a left droopy lid, and listing to his left in his wheelchair. Six days previously, he was admitted to Joseph Brant Hospital after having a two-day history of unsteady gait, nausea/vomiting, and spinning sensation. He was diagnosed with Wallenberg lateral medullary syndrome. A neuro-visual processing evaluation revealed Horner’s signs, visual midline shift syndrome, post-trauma vision syndrome, visual-vestibular dysfunction, deficits in visual figure-ground, and cerebellar dysfunction. Acute optometric care was provided, with artificial tears, sector occlusion, and spectacles with yoked prism prescribed, followed by 20 sessions of inoffice NVPR. Following this course of treatment, the patient was able to ambulate without walking aids. Conclusion: Patients with WS have physical limitations and vision problems that vary in severity. This syndrome will affect balance and ambulation. Acute management with NVPR can improve functional vision and help physical rehabilitation.
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