19, researchers discovered that the leading causes for these blockages in blood flow to the cerebral peduncles were due to pressure on the vertebrobasilar artery and its branches through stenosis or occlusion ( a full or partial blockage of a blood vessel).
Stenosis is narrowing spaces in the spine, applying pressure to the spinal cord and causing pain and discomfort, which could eventually lead to paralysis/loss of function.
An occlusion in the intracranial regions of the brain could cause ischemia (lack of oxygen). This ischemia leads to Wallenberg Syndrome, Locked-In Syndrome, and Top-of-the-basilar syndrome, depending on where the blockage occurs.
These diseases range in consequences/symptoms, from ataxia and disturbances in brain function to quadriplegia.
Developmental Disorders Affecting The Cerebral Peduncles
Although not limited to the cerebral peduncles, “cobblestone lissencephaly” is a developmental disorder affecting the midbrain (and, by extension, the cerebral peduncles).
Certain neurons fail to migrate during fetal development (especially during weeks 12 and 24). This failure results in the absence of grooves and folds developing on the brain’s surface.
Individuals affected by these disorders often suffer from:
- Cerebral ocular and muscle defects.
- Muscle-eye-brain and Fukuyama muscular dystrophy.
- Walker-Warburg syndrome.
Cerebral Peduncle Lesions And Tumors
The term “lesion” is a collective description of any damaged tissue in the brain. Although all tumors are lesions, not all lesions are tumors.
Unfortunately, tumors may develop in the midbrain and the cerebral peduncle. An example is gliomas. This type of tumor develops when glial cells grow out of control. While some patients may not show symptoms, these tumors are frequently cancerous (malignant).
These tumors are often fatal as they are challenging to treat/reach for surgery and may spread to other areas in the brain.
There are three types of gliomas:
- Astrocytomas. The tumors begin in astrocytes and vary in severity. Glioblastomas (a type of astrocytoma) are “aggressive,” and occur most frequently in adults, while astrocytomas are prevalent in children.
- Ependymomas. Ependymomas (originating in ependymocytes) develop in the ventricles of the brain or the spinal cord and spread via the cerebrospinal fluid. These tumors are more common in children.
- Oligodendrogliomas. As the name implies, these tumors originate in oligodendrocytes. Although they usually start slowly, they often become aggressive. These tumors are relatively rare and occur more frequently in adults.
Some symptoms of glioma include:
- Aphasia. Difficulty communicating, especially speaking.
- Behavior and personality changes.
- Difficulty thinking, understanding, and remembering (cognitive issues).
- Dizziness and headaches.
- Movement issues, like walking and balance.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Vision loss and other changes.
Treatment Of The Cerebral Peduncle
The type of disease/complication affecting the cerebral peduncles and surrounding brain regions dictates the necessary treatment.
In several cases, the treatment includes:
- Radiation therapy (cancer)
For example, benign astrocytomas (a type of tumor) are usually treated with radiation therapy, as surgery is dangerous in this sensitive brain region. However, a study published in 2002 looked at 7 child patients who had their tumors surgically removed.
While most patients were fine in the long term, some patients experienced a loss of motor, oculomotor, or memory function in the short term. After the surgery, only 1 patient experienced a resurgence of benign astrocytomas.
Occasionally there is no treatment, and management of the disease/symptoms remains. Although genetics play a significant factor, prevention is better than trying to fix the issue.
The cerebral peduncles form part of the midbrain, an essential part of the mammalian brain. The cerebral peduncles facilitate sensory and motor impulses from the brain to the muscles and vice versa. The cerebral peduncle is a collection of white and gray matter that play a fundamenta