Dysphagia associated with Jugular Foramen Syndrome due to Traumatic Brain Injury

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To present one case of dysphagia associated with jugular foramen syndrome (Vernet syndrome) by trauma. The jugular foramen syndrome refers to paralysis of the IX, X and XI cranial nerves. Dysphagia due to jugular foramen syndorme without pseudobular palsy is rare in traumatic brain injury. CASE SUMMARY: A 16-year-old boy with the left occipital skull fracture and skull base fracture was not able to take any food by mouth. There was no other significant symptom without dysphagia. Physical examination, laryngoscopic examination and electromyography revealed paralysis of the left IX, X and XI cranial nerves. Videofluoroscopic examination demonstrated atonic ballooned pyriformis sinus and closed upper esophageal sphincter. Brain CT and MRI showed fracture line in the left jugular foramen without brain stem or diffuse cortical lesion. Feeding gastrostomy was performed. CONCLUSION: We report an unusual case of dysphagia due to jugular foramen syndrome in traumatic brain injury patient.