Miller Fisher Syndrome

ABSTRACT

Miller Fisher syndrome is characterized by acute external ophthalmoplegia, ataxia and areflexia in the abscence of significant motor or sensory deficit in the limbs and usually results in a complete recovery. Most cases have anteceding events like upper respiratory infection or other viral infections. Diagnosis of Miller fisher syndrome can be made with compatible clinical history taking, cardinal symptoms and normal findings of CT or MRI. The prognosis of Miller Fisher syndrome is favorable contrary to other malignant tumors or Guillain-Barre syndrome which sometimes cause a respiratory paralysis. The locations of its anatomic lesion and pathogenesis are nor yet discovered. From 1991 to 1995, we have experienced 11 cases of Miller Fisher syndrome. Thereby we have analyzed anteceding events, cardinal symptoms along with other associated symptoms, electrophysiological studies, cerebrospinal fluid test and its treatment and prognosis. The purpose of this article is that a better understanding of Miller Fisher syndrome can lead us to differenciate with other disorders causing external ophthalmoplegia.