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Automatic-voluntary dissociation: An unusual facial paresis in a patient with probable multiple sclerosis

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Summary

A patient with multiple sclerosis is described who presented with a unilateral loss of voluntary function of his lower face muscles. However, in an emotional situation, there was strong involuntary innervation of these muscles: automatic-voluntary dissociation. The subcortical afferents to the facial motor nucleus are discussed. It is hypothesized that cortical disinhibition of midbrain nuclei underlies the accentuated involuntary innervation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neurologische Universitätsklinik, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, W-7400, Tübingen, Federal Republic of Germany

    Frank Eblen, Michael Weller & Johannes Dichgans

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  1. Frank Eblen
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  2. Michael Weller
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  3. Johannes Dichgans
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Eblen, F., Weller, M. & Dichgans, J. Automatic-voluntary dissociation: An unusual facial paresis in a patient with probable multiple sclerosis. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Nuerosci 242, 93–95 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02191554

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02191554

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