Miller Fisher Syndrome: 10 Years’ Experience in a Third-Level Center

Abstract

Introduction: There are few studies regarding the clinical characteristics of Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) in the Latin-American population. Methods: A retrospective analysis was made of the clinical characteristics, neurophysiology, treatment and prognosis of MFS patients between 1995 and 2005. Results: Nineteen MFS cases were documented, 12 of which did not receive immunosuppressive therapy. In both groups, the mean age was 36 years, 84% were male; onset in spring and fall was also predominant (73%), and antecedents of respiratory disease were found (79%). The mean duration of infectious symptoms was 7 days (1–11 days), and the mean interval between the onset of the infection and neurological symptoms was 7 days (1–30 days). The principal sign of onset was diplopia (63%). The mean delay between the onset of neurological symptoms and the beginning of recovery from ataxia, ophthalmoplegia and areflexia was 10 (1–30 days), 11 (1–30 days) and 14 (4–45 days) days, respectively, and the mean delay of the disappearance of ataxia, ophthalmoplegia and areflexia was 35 (10–121 days), 93 (18–244 days) and 64 (10–650 days) days, respectively. There was no significant difference between the group that received immunosuppression and the one that did not. Discussion: The natural course of MSF is characterized by excellent recovery; there were no differences between the two groups.

Sensory nerves are frequently involved in the spectrum of fisher syndrome

“…The outcome in our patient group was good, including those with FS/GBS overlap as well as FS/PCB overlap. This is similar to other reports . By 12‐week review, most patients made complete recovery.…”

Fisher Syndrome

“…These data on the natural course of Fisher syndrome are also similar to recent consecutive cases reported in Mexico [8]. Six months after initial onset, all patients were clear of neurologic symptoms, except for areflexia or hyporeflexia, and were able to perform normal activities in their daily lives.…”

“…However, several studies have included more than 10 cases [4][5][6][7][8]. This section summarizes the clinical features of Fisher syndrome described by these studies and a literature review of case reports [9], particularly from a retrospective analysis of 50 consecutive cases of Fisher syndrome [4] (n= 335).…”

Lower limb areflexia without central and peripheral conduction abnormalities is highly suggestive of Gerstmann–Sträussler–Scheinker disease Pro102Leu

“…Absence of deep tendon reflexes in lower limbs may be seen in different ataxic disorders, including Friedreich's ataxia, ataxia with vitamin E deficiency, abetalipoproteinemia, Refsum's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), and Miller-Fisher syndrome [6][7][8].…”