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Published in: Neurological Sciences 2/2016

01-02-2016 | Quiz Cases

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders with multiple brainstem manifestations: a case report

Authors: Yao Li, Bin Jiang, Bin Chen, Mingxia Zhao, Chunlai Zhou, Shuhui Wang, Jimei Li, Ruijin Wang

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 2/2016

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Abstract

Background

Multiple brainstem manifestations have been rarely reported during the same attack in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD).

Case presentation

We describe a 39-year-old Asian woman presenting multiple brainstem manifestations including intractable nausea and vomiting, vertigo, diplopia, facial palsy, hypogeusia, ophthalmoplegia, hemiplegia, dysphagia and tonic spasm during the same attack. Hypogeusia was transient and recovered without any immunotherapy. The brain MRIs showed progressive multiple lesions in the brainstem. NMO-IgG (aquaporin4-antibody, AQP4-Ab) were positive in both serum and cerebral spinal fluid. The symptoms and signs were controlled after immunosuppressive therapy. No relapse happened during the 15-month follow-up.

Conclusion

This report emphasizes multiple brainstem manifestations during the same attack in NMOSD and the most characteristic symptom was reversible hypogeusia.
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Metadata
Title
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders with multiple brainstem manifestations: a case report
Authors
Yao Li
Bin Jiang
Bin Chen
Mingxia Zhao
Chunlai Zhou
Shuhui Wang
Jimei Li
Ruijin Wang
Publication date
01-02-2016
Publisher
Springer Milan
Published in
Neurological Sciences / Issue 2/2016
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-015-2196-z

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