Vertebral artery compression of medulla oblongata causing isolated symptom of dizziness: two case reports

Abstract

Abstract Background Symptomatic medulla oblongata compressing lesions due to dilated vertebral artery are rare in the literature. The symptoms are extremely heterogeneous and not correlated to the severity of compression in many cases. Case presentation This paper describes two cases with vertebral artery compression of medulla oblongata complaining only from dizziness without any other neurological symptoms or signs. In both cases, videonystagmography revealed positional nystagmus. Head magnetic resonance imaging showed abnormal dilatation, elongation, and tortuosity of the vertebral artery compressing the medulla oblongata. Vestibular rehabilitation was described in both cases and had a significant effect on symptom improvement. Conclusion In the study cases, the sense of vertigo and/or unsteadiness is due to vertebral artery compression of medulla oblongata and can be an isolated symptom. Positional nystagmus is the only sign in vestibular evaluation.