Miller Fisher syndrome, also known as Fisher’s syndrome, is a neurological disorder characterized by sudden weakness in the face, loss of reflexes, and poor coordination.
Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a rare, autoimmune nerve condition. It is a less-severe form of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Read on for an overview of Miller Fisher syndrome, including symptoms, treatment, and recovery time.
MFS is a sudden-onset neurological condition that causes problems with the peripheral nervous system, including:
- coordination and balance
- loss of reflexes
- facial droopiness
- problems controlling the eyelids
MFS often follows a viral illness, so many people experience symptoms of a cold, mono, diarrhea, or other diseases before MFS appears.
MFS is a milder variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Both are considered to be autoimmune conditions that develop when the immune system attacks the nervous system.
GBS can cause weakness, tingling, and paralysis in the limbs. More severe forms of this syndrome can make it difficult to breathe. An estimated 5 to 10 percent of people with GBS develop respiratory paralysis that requires the use of a breathing tube or ventilator.
MFS usually has a good outlook, and most people begin to recover within
Alternatively, MFS symptoms could signal the beginning of GBS. Because GBS can cause breathing issues, doctors may hospitalize people with symptoms of MFS.
MFS is a rare disorder. Guillain-Barré syndrome affects only
Because MFS is such a rare condition, it can sometimes be challenging to diagnose. A person who thinks they have either of these conditions may need to see a specialist.
The symptoms of MFS
The three primary symptoms of MFS are:
- loss of control of body movements, including weakness or uncontrolled movements
- loss of reflexes, particularly in the knees and ankles
- weakness in the face, including facial drooping, difficulty keeping the eyes open, and blurred vision
For most people, symptoms begin in the eyes. Many people with MFS struggle to walk and may waddle or walk very slowly. Some people experience other neurological symptoms, such as difficulty urinating.
Because MFS often follows a viral infection, people with this condition may also have symptoms of a viral illness.
Because MFS is caused by GBS and may progress to GBS, treatment for the two conditions are identical.
According to the
Plasma exchange involves removing some blood plasma, cleaning it, then putting it back into the body. Plasma exchange can take several hours and is more difficult procedure than immunoglobulin therapy, so most doctors prefer IV treatment with immunoglobulin proteins.
Some people who have MFS may need additional treatments to keep their bodies functioning. People who develop GBS may need to use a ventilator or heart monitor, and will likely require continual monitoring in the hospital.
Treatment does not cure the condition but instead may shorten the time to recovery. Supportive treatment can also prevent severe complications of GBS. Most people recover from MFS, and a 2007 study suggests that treatment makes little or no difference.
The study found that immunoglobulin therapy slightly reduced the length of time that some people experienced eye problems and movement issues. However, there was little difference in recovery times between those who had IV treatment, plasma exchange, and no treatment. The study concluded that neither immunoglobulin therapy or plasma exchange affected overall outcomes.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), people with MFS begin recovering 2 to 4 weeks after they first notice symptoms. Full recovery takes longer, though most people make a good recovery within about 6 months. Less than
People whose MFS progresses to GBS are more likely to experience long-term effects. An estimated
The symptoms of MFS are due to a particular type of nerve damage. Nerves are protected by a substance called myelin, and when the myelin is damaged, the nerves cannot function normally. This process is called demyelination.
Researchers suggest that something, usually an infection, triggers the body to produce an antibody that leads to MFS. This antibody causes damage to the peripheral nerves, affecting the eyes, muscles, and sometimes the bladder.
Particular viruses including Campylobacter jejuni, herpes simplex, and Mycoplasma are common triggers for GBS. Though an infection usually causes MFS, it is unclear why some people develop this syndrome, and others do not.
Some people also develop MFS or GBS following a vaccination or surgery.
Doctors usually diagnose GBS or MFS based on a physical examination and assessment of the symptoms that a person displays, as well as how quickly the symptoms appeared.
It is essential that a doctor rules out other conditions, particularly those that may be medical emergencies, such as stroke or a brain injury. Doctors may perform imaging scans on the brain to test for these conditions, and may also ask about recent illnesses, medical history, and lifestyle.
Blood work can test for a specific antibody called anti-GQ1b antibody, which is
Most people recover from MFS, some even without treatment. Those who develop GBS, however, may develop serious or even life-threatening complications. A person who thinks they might have MFS should not self-diagnose or assume that symptoms will disappear on their own.
Because other disorders, such as polio, stroke, or nerve damage, can cause symptoms similar to MFS, it is essential to seek comprehensive testing from a doctor who understands neurological health.
Report all symptoms to a doctor, particularly those that indicate neurological issues. Difficulty breathing should always be treated as a medical emergency, so people who experience weakness or numbness and trouble breathing should go to the emergency room.
MFS is a rare and poorly understood condition. Doctors do not yet understand why some people develop MFS following an illness, but most people do not.
Providing a doctor with comprehensive information about health history and symptoms can ensure a proper diagnosis, and may even help medical providers better understand this puzzling syndrome.
