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Case Reports
. 2025 May 25;17(5):e84780.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.84780. eCollection 2025 May.

Challenges in Diagnosing Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome in Adults

Janet S Lawrence  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Challenges in Diagnosing Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome in Adults

Janet S Lawrence. Cureus. .

Abstract

Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome (OMS) is a rare neurological condition characterised by uncontrolled eye movements and myoclonus. The pathophysiology is autoimmune, usually due to a paraneoplastic or parainfectious cause. Studies on adult-onset OMS are not extensive, and the lack of awareness contributes to the challenge of its diagnosis. A 37-year-old female presented with nausea, dizziness, chaotic eye movements, and wide gait. Blood tests and imaging were unremarkable, but positive oligoclonal bands and elevated protein were seen in the cerebrospinal fluid analysis. She received betahistine and ondansetron as symptomatic treatment and was diagnosed with OMS. She was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and had a slow, incomplete recovery with residual uncontrolled eye movements. A month before her presentation, she had been seen by the General Practitioner, was treated with antiemetics, and was referred to ENT. This case illustrates the importance of awareness of OMS in avoiding delay in diagnosis.

Keywords: autoimmune; dizziness; oligoclonal bands; opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome; paraneoplastic.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. CT of the head.
(A) Axial plane. (B) Sagittal plane.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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