Deleu D, El Siddig A, Kamran S, Kamha AA, Al Omary IYM, Zalabany HA. Downbeat nystagmus following classical heat stroke.
Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2005;
108:102-4. [PMID:
16311159 DOI:
10.1016/j.clineuro.2004.12.009]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2004] [Revised: 12/04/2004] [Accepted: 12/14/2004] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Cerebellar syndrome following classical heat stroke is rare. We report a case of a 39-year-old man who presented with a cerebellar syndrome including downbeat nystagmus. MRI taken after 3 days of admission was normal. The downbeat nystagmus lasted for 6 days and than gradually disappeared. The ataxia and dysmetria improved gradually over 2 months. A brain CT scan performed 3 months later revealed no cerebellar atrophy. This case is unique as there were no predisposing factors (e.g. hypomagnesemia) and follow-up revealed complete reversibility of the ophthalmological abnormality. It reveals that the vestibulocerebellum is particularly vulnerable to thermal injury.
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