Foix-Chavany-Marie syndrome

In this article, the author explains the clinical presentation and pathophysiology of Foix-Chavany-Marie syndrome (bilateral anterior opercular syndrome). Manifestations include volitional paralysis of masticatory, facial, pharyngeal, and lingual muscles innervated by cranial nerves V, VII, IX, X, and XII, with preserved autonomic and emotional innervation of these muscles. Thus, although volitional movements are absent, emotional smiling, laughter, crying, and automatic yawning are preserved. Pseudobulbar paralysis in Foix-Chavany-Marie syndrome must be distinguished from bulbar paralysis and from disorders of the cranial nerves and neuromuscular junction such as botulism and myasthenia gravis.