[Syndrome of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia and areflexia of Fisher in a 14 year old boy (author's transl)]

Abstract

The syndrome of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia and areflexia first mentioned in 1932 by Collier and in 1938 by van Bogaert was described more precisely in 1956 by Fisher. It represents a specific clinical entity and is considered to be a variant of idiopathic polyradiculoneuropathy (Guillain-Barré). The most striking features are external (sometimes also internal) ophthalmoplegia, hyporeflexia or areflexia and cerebellar ataxia. During the first days paresthesias are frequently present whereas other disturbances of sensibility are not common. Additional signs of neurological lesions may be observed in association with the syndrome. Spinal fluid shows the typical albumino-cytological dissociation. The disease is characterized by its benign course. The etiology remains unclear, therapy is not necessary.