Eight-and-a-half syndrome – A rare presentation of pontine infarction

Abstract

Eight-and-a-half syndrome is clinically characterized by conjugate gaze palsy and internuclear ophthalmoplegia along with lower motor neuron type facial nerve palsy. Usually, it occurs because of infarction or demyelinating disease at paramedian tegmentum of lower pons. It emphasizes the importance of checking ocular movements. A 55-year-old male patient presented with sudden onset of double vision, headache, and vomiting and found to have horizontal gaze palsy, internuclear ophthalmoplegia, and facial palsy of the left side. High blood pressure was noted. Clinically, eight and a half syndrome was identified. MRI brain showed infarct at pons. The patient was stabilized systemically. A detailed clinical neuro-ophthalmic examination, along with a clear understanding of the neuro-anatomical pathways, gives clinicians a good diagnostic opportunity to localize precisely lesions in the brainstem. The disease should be evaluated for etiology.