Avellis syndrome after minor head trauma: report of two cases

Avellis syndrome is a rare condition that usually occurs in association with infarction of the medulla oblongata or mass lesions around the jugular foramen; this syndrome has rarely been reported after trauma. Two cases of Avellis syndrome that occurred following minor head trauma are presented. The mechanism by which Avellis syndrome is produced is briefly discussed. The relative resistance to damage of the spinal accessory nerve was thought to play an important role in producing the peripheral type of Avellis syndrome. The outcome was favorable in both cases.