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Case Reports
. 2024 Jan 31;16(1):e53302.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.53302. eCollection 2024 Jan.

Neurological Spectrum of Epstein-Barr Virus Infection: A Rare Clinical Case

Dora Gomes  1 , Rui André  2 , Catarina Oliveira  1 , Sofia Camões  1 , Catarina R Silva  1 , Miguel L Mendes  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Neurological Spectrum of Epstein-Barr Virus Infection: A Rare Clinical Case

Dora Gomes et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a DNA virus that has been infecting humans since ancient times, capable of causing a wide range of pathologies and affecting approximately 90% of the population. A 61-year-old male with no significant medical history presented with a 5-day history of imbalance and difficulty walking. Neurological examination revealed specific findings, including absent reflexes, bilateral asynergy, and gait abnormalities. Contrasting with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, lumbar puncture suggested a central nervous system infection. Serological testing confirmed Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positivity, and intravenous immunoglobulin led to significant improvement. Electromyogram results suggested inflammatory/ipnfectious polyradiculopathy. Repeat EBV serology, showing strongly positive IgG and negative IgM, confirmed the diagnosis of Polyradiculoneuropathy secondary to EBV. This case underscores the rare neurological complications of EBV and the importance of considering viral infections in such presentations.

Keywords: central nervous system infection; epstein-barr virus; intravenous immunoglobulin; nflammatory response; polyradiculoneuropathy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Lumbosacral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed one week after the event
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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