Miller-Fisher syndrome mimicking intracranial hypertension following head trauma.
BACKGROUND
Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a polyneuropathy with benign outcome characterized by ophthalmoplegia, limb ataxia and tendon areflexia. Impaired consciousness level and intracranial hypertension are very rare symptoms in MFS.


METHODS
We describe the case of a 5-year-old girl who showed intracranial hypertension, transient coma and respiratory failure after mild head injury; moreover the patient showed mild ataxia, areflexia, ophthalmoplegia and autonomic disturbances. These symptoms were suggestive of MFS. Electrophysiologic studies and laboratory tests confirmed the diagnosis and immunoglobulins and steroids were given. The child showed a progressive clinical improvement and the final outcome was good.


CONCLUSIONS
This case, initially managed as trauma injury due to the presence of suggestive signs and clinical history, maskered an atypical presentation of Miller-Fisher syndrome, a rare disorder of central nervous system.
Pulitanò
S
S
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Catholic University Medical School-Hospital A. Gemelli, Largo F. Vito, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy. slivia66@yahoo.com
Viola
L
L
Genovese
O
O
Chiaretti
A
A
Piastra
M
M
Mariotti
P
P
Di Rocco
F
F
Polidori
G
G
Di Rocco
C
C
D002675:Child, Preschool; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods; D019586:Intracranial Hypertension / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D019846:Miller Fisher Syndrome / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome