Miller-Fisher Syndrome in the Setting of Influenza A Infection

Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a rare, and milder, variant of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) that is characterized by ophthalmoplegia, areflexia, and ataxia, with the additional possibility of limb weakness. There is not a specific demographic or common situation in which MFS is usually seen. This paper details a suspected case of MFS in a 59-year-old male with a concurrent influenza infection. He had been experiencing progressive flu-like symptoms a few days prior to the onset of his neurological symptoms, presenting to the hospital with diplopia and paresthesias of his extremities. His physical exam on admission revealed areflexia and gait instability, as well as oculomotor nerve palsies that were causing his diplopia. After running tests to rule out other possible causes of his presentation, along with having a positive influenza A test, he was diagnosed with MFS and started on intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). His symptoms resolved by the end of the treatment course. Based on his presentation and resolution of symptoms, this would be one of the few reported cases of MFS following influenza A infection.