Original Paper

Miller Fisher Syndrome: 10 Years’ Experience in a Third-Level Center
O. Daniel San-Juan^a, José Fabián Martínez-Herrera^b, Jael Moreno García^c, Maricarmen Fernández Gonzalez-Aragon^a, Juan de Dios Del Castillo-Calcáneo^b, Iván Pérez-Neri<sup>d

a</sup>Clinical Neurophysiology Service, and Departments of
^bClinical Research,
^cNeurology, and
^dNeurochemistry, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Mexico City, Mexico

Address of Corresponding Author

Eur Neurol 2009;62:149-154 (DOI: 10.1159/000226599)

  Key Words

• Miller Fisher syndrome
• Guillain-Barré syndrome
• Atypical variants
• Immune neuropathy
• Prognosis

  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.

Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

O.D. San-Juan, MD
Neurophysiology Service, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery
Insurgentes Sur 3877, Col. La Fama, Tlalpan, Mexico City, 14269 (Mexico)
Tel. +52 55 5606 3822, Fax +52 55 5606 4532, E-Mail pegaso31@yahoo.com

  Article Information

Received: December 30, 2008
Accepted: May 4, 2009
Published online: July 1, 2009
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 5, Number of Tables : 1, Number of References : 24