Two cases of anterior softening of the medulla oblongata are described. The first strictly limited to the right paramedian area, was expressed clinically as a contralateral hemiplegia with impaired deep sensations, the tongue not being affected. The second was more complicated since there was occlusion of the left vertebral artery and bilateral paramedian softening. Clinically, a quadriplegia and paralysis of the left half of the tongue were present. Eight similar cases were found in a review of the literature. The blood supply of the medulla and the clinical features are discussed in the light of these cases. As far as the blood supply is concerned, stress is laid on its variability according to whether the oral, caudal or intermediate section of the medulla oblongata is considered. From the clinical point of view, these patients exhibit spastic hemiplegia and disorders in proprioceptive sensitivity. Paralysis of the tongue is not always present. The topography of the softening is discussed, and the rarity of lesions of the nucleus of the main hypoglossal nerve is stressed. From a study of personal cases and those in the literature, the authors also believe that most cases progress towards spasticity.