Brainstem involvement in a child with ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, areflexia syndrome

Abstract

The anatomic location and pathogenesis of the ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, areflexia syndrome, which includes both the Miller-Fisher syndrome and Bickerstaff's brainstem encephalitis, continues to be a matter for debate. A patient with this syndrome is reported, and the brainstem location of the lesion and elevated titers of anti-GM1 antibodies in serum are demonstrated.