Signs, Symptoms & Clinical Features
Parinaud syndrome (dorsal midbrain syndrome)
Parinaud syndrome is a cluster of eye-movement findings from pressure on the upper brainstem, which can occur in hydrocephalus.
In short: Parinaud syndrome (dorsal midbrain syndrome)
- It involves problems with upward gaze and related eye findings.
- It results from pressure on the dorsal (upper) midbrain.
- It can occur in hydrocephalus, especially with an enlarged third ventricle or a nearby lesion.
- It is recognized on examination.
What it is
Parinaud syndrome (dorsal midbrain syndrome) is a cluster of eye-movement abnormalities — most notably difficulty looking upward — that results from pressure on or disruption of the dorsal (upper) part of the midbrain. It can occur in hydrocephalus.
Understanding Parinaud syndrome (dorsal midbrain syndrome)
The dorsal midbrain controls upward eye movement and related functions, and it sits near the back of the third ventricle and the cerebral aqueduct. In hydrocephalus — for example, with a dilated third ventricle pressing on this region, or with a tumor in the pineal area — Parinaud syndrome can develop, causing impaired upward gaze along with other findings (such as pupils that react poorly to light but better to near focus, and eyelid changes). In infants with hydrocephalus, the related "setting-sun sign" reflects similar involvement of upward gaze. Recognizing Parinaud syndrome can point to the cause and level of the problem.
Why it matters
Understanding Parinaud syndrome helps families see how hydrocephalus affecting the upper brainstem can produce specific eye-movement findings, which can help localize the problem and prompt appropriate evaluation.
Common questions
What is the main feature of Parinaud syndrome?
Difficulty looking upward, along with other eye findings.
Where does it come from?
Pressure on or disruption of the dorsal (upper) midbrain.
Can it occur in hydrocephalus?
Yes — for example, with an enlarged third ventricle or a nearby lesion.
Bottom line
Parinaud syndrome is a cluster of eye-movement findings from upper brainstem involvement that can occur in hydrocephalus, helping localize the problem.
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