[Bulbar hematoma of the olivary area. An analysis of the autonomic syndrome].

The consequences of an anterolateral medullary hematoma in a 50 year old patient are reported. The lesions principally involved the inferior olive nuclei, the lateral reticular nucleus, and, partially, the nucleus ambiguus. Long-lasting postural control deficit and hypotonia were observed, associated with alpha motoneurons hyperexcitability. Analysis of the heart rate regulation showed a severe reduction of the normal accelerating reactions and a relative preservation of slowing down reactions that suggested a deficit of the ortho-sympathetic control. Unilateral palsy of the tongue and pharynx was also observed without sensory or sensorial deficit. The long term course was favourable.