Postvaccination Miller Fisher syndrome

Arch Neurol. 2011 Oct;68(10):1327-9. doi: 10.1001/archneurol.2011.236.

Abstract

Background: Although postvaccination Guillain-Barré syndrome is commonly reported, there have only been 2 previously reported cases of postvaccination Miller Fisher syndrome, and none in association with the novel influenza A(H1N1) vaccine.

Objective: To describe a case of Miller Fisher syndrome following receipt of the seasonal influenza and novel influenza A(H1N1) vaccine.

Design: Case report and literature review.

Setting: Vancouver General Hospital.

Patient: A 77-year-old Chinese woman.

Results: The patient presented with ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, areflexia, and a sensory neuropathy within 2 weeks of immunization. Findings of parainfectious evaluation were unremarkable. Treatment with 2 courses of intravenous immunoglobulin led to clinical improvement. Her presentation and natural history of disease were similar to the 2 previously published cases.

Conclusions: We present the third case of postvaccination Miller Fisher syndrome in the literature and the first associated with the novel influenza A(H1N1) vaccine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Influenza Vaccines / adverse effects*
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control
  • Miller Fisher Syndrome / etiology*
  • Miller Fisher Syndrome / immunology*

Substances

  • Influenza Vaccines