NINDS Miller Fisher Syndrome Information Page: NINDS
Article title: NINDS Miller Fisher Syndrome Information Page: NINDS
Main condition: Miller Fisher syndrome
Conditions: Miller Fisher syndrome
What is Miller Fisher Syndrome?
Miller Fisher syndrome is a rare, acute polyneuropathy characterized by ataxia (abnormal muscle coordination), ophthalmoplegia (paralysis of the eye muscles), and areflexia (absence of the reflexes). The disorder is a variant of Guillain-Barre syndrome. Symptoms may be preceded by a viral illness and include generalized muscle weakness and respiratory failure as in Guillain-Barre syndrome. The majority of individuals with Miller Fisher syndrome have a unique antibody that characterizes the disorder.
Is there any
treatment?
Treatment for Miller Fisher syndrome is identical to
treatment for Guillain-Barre syndrome: intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg)
or plasmapheresis (a procedure in which antibodies are removed from the
blood) and supportive care.
What is the prognosis?
The
prognosis for most individuals with Miller Fisher syndrome is good. In
most cases, recovery begins within 2 to 4 weeks of the onset of symptoms,
and may be almost complete within 6 months. Some individuals are left with
residual deficits. Very rarely (in less than 3 percent of cases) relapses
may occur.
What research is being
done?
The NINDS supports research aimed at discovering new ways to
diagnose, treat, and, ultimately, cure neuropathies such as Miller Fisher
syndrome.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome Foundation International
P.O. Box 262
Wynnewood, PA 19096
gbint@netcom.com
http://www.webmast.com/gbs
Tel:
610-667-0131
Fax: 610-667-7036
Related NINDS Publications and Information
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This fact sheet is in the public domain. You may copy it.Provided
by:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD
20892
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