Miller-Fisher Syndrome With Initial Manifestation of Rhinolalia Aperta: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Rhinolalia aperta (hypernasal speech) is rarely reported in patients with Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS). Here, we report a patient with MFS who presented with rhinolalia aperta. A 35-year-old man with a history of alcohol abuse and hepatic cirrhosis presented with a three-day acute hypernasal voice change and numbness of both hands/thighs. After admission, the exam also revealed palatal hypomobility, decreased bilateral hand/thigh sensation, ataxic gait, dysmetria, areflexia, and bilateral abducens palsy. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-GQ1b antibody titer was elevated (1:6400). A five-day intravenous IgG was administered with a robust clinical response. Oropharyngeal involvement in MFS can initially manifest with isolated hypernasal speech.