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 wit
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 wit
