Foster Kennedy syndrome

A neurological condition characterized by specific symptoms

Foster Kennedy syndrome is a rare neurological condition characterized by a specific set of symptoms resulting from a tumor or lesion in the frontal lobe of the brain. This syndrome is named after the neurologist Robert Foster Kennedy, who first described it in the early 20th century.

Symptoms

Foster Kennedy syndrome is classically defined by the following triad of symptoms:

• Ipsilateral optic atrophy: This occurs due to direct compression of the optic nerve by a tumor, leading to degeneration of the nerve fibers and resulting in vision loss in the affected eye.
• Contralateral papilledema: This is swelling of the optic disc in the opposite eye, caused by increased intracranial pressure. It is a sign of raised pressure within the skull, often due to the presence of a mass.
• Anosmia: Loss of the sense of smell, which occurs due to the involvement of the olfactory nerve or frontal lobe structures.

Causes

The most common cause of Foster Kennedy syndrome is a meningioma located in the frontal lobe, particularly in the region of the olfactory groove. Other potential causes include:

• Glioma
• Frontal lobe tumor
• Aneurysm

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Foster Kennedy syndrome involves a combination of clinical examination and imaging studies. A thorough neurological examination will reveal the characteristic symptoms. Imaging techniques such as MRI or CT scan are used to identify the presence and location of a tumor or lesion in the brain.

Treatment

Treatment of Foster Kennedy syndrome focuses on addressing the underlying cause. Surgical removal of the tumor is often the primary treatment option. In cases where surgery is not feasible, other treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be considered.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with Foster Kennedy syndrome depends on the nature and extent of the underlying cause. Early detection and treatment of the tumor can improve outcomes and preserve neurological function.

Related pages

• Optic nerve
• Frontal lobe
• Intracranial pressure
• Neurology

Gallery

Diagram showing the lobes of the brain, including the frontal lobe where lesions causing Foster Kennedy syndrome may occur.