Helpful Brainstem Figures

Cross-sections of the brainstem. A. Rostral midbrain, B. caudal midbrain, C. Pons, D. Rostral medulla, E. Caudal medulla. A= nucleus ambiguus, ML= medial lemniscus, S= nucleus solitarius, SC= Spinothalamic tract, numbers 3-12 refer to cranial nerves. (From Stephen Goldberg's wondrous book 'Clinical neuroanatomy made ridiculously simple')

The signs seen in medial brainstem syndromes (from Gates, 2005).

The signs seen in lateral brainstem syndromes (from Gates, 2005). Note trapezius weakness is rarely seen in lateral medullary lesions.