Acute cerebellar ataxia and peripheral neuropathy due to an atypical infection

BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Mar 17;14(3):e242229. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-242229.

Abstract

This 18-year-old boy presented to the hospital with symptoms of cerebellar dysfunction preceded by an acute febrile illness with rash. Examination showed evidence of left-sided cerebellar dysfunction and polyneuropathy. Empirical treatment for leptospirosis and scrub typhus was initiated. MRI was normal. Other organ dysfunctions in the form of thrombocytopenia and transaminitis were also observed. He recovered without sequelae. A diagnosis of acute cerebellar ataxia and polyneuropathy due to scrub typhus was made.

Keywords: brain stem / cerebellum; tropical medicine (infectious disease).

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cerebellar Ataxia* / diagnosis
  • Cerebellar Ataxia* / etiology
  • Fever
  • Humans
  • Leptospirosis*
  • Male
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases* / etiology
  • Scrub Typhus*