Paroxysmal dysarthria-ataxia in remitting-relapsing Bickerstaff's-like encephalitis

J Neurol Sci. 2014 Jun 15;341(1-2):85-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2014.04.008. Epub 2014 Apr 13.

Abstract

Paroxysmal dysarthria-ataxia is a rare neurological condition due to ephaptic transmission, generally appearing in multiple sclerosis patients characterized by stereotyped attacks of slurred speech usually accompanied by ataxia, appearing many times a day. Here we describe a patient with an unusual remitting-relapsing form of Bickerstaff's-like brainstem encephalitis who manifested PDA after a relapse with the involvement of a peculiar region below the red nuclei and benefited from lamotrigine.

Keywords: Autoimmune diseases of the nervous system; Bickerstaff's brainstem encephalitis; Brainstem MRI abnormalities; Brainstem dysfunction; Ephaptic axonal activation; Paroxysmal dysarthria-ataxia syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Ataxia / complications*
  • Ataxia / drug therapy
  • Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System / complications*
  • Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System / drug therapy
  • Brain Stem / pathology
  • Dysarthria / complications*
  • Dysarthria / drug therapy
  • Encephalitis / complications*
  • Encephalitis / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Prednisone