Opercular syndrome: A case report and review.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pediatrics
• Developmental Neuroscience

Background:

• Perinatal asphyxia and neonatal seizures can lead to long-term neurological deficits.
• Bilateral opercular syndrome is a rare neurological condition affecting motor control of the face, tongue, and pharynx.

Observation:

• A 9-year-old boy presented with delayed speech, motor, and mental milestones following perinatal asphyxia.
• Clinical examination revealed bilateral trigemino-facio-linguo-pharyngeal palsy affecting voluntary movements, with preserved automatic and emotional movements.
• The patient experienced dysarthria, dysphagia, drooling, and complex partial seizures.

Findings:

• Electroencephalography showed focal left fronto-temporal epileptiform discharges.
• Brain imaging indicated bilateral cortical and subcortical encephalomalacia, predominantly in the opercular regions.
• The clinical and neuroimaging findings were consistent with bilateral opercular syndrome.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for perinatal insults to cause severe developmental and neurological impairments.
• Early identification and management of symptoms associated with bilateral opercular syndrome are crucial for affected children.
• Further research into the long-term outcomes and therapeutic strategies for bilateral opercular syndrome is warranted.