Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome associated with herpes simplex virus infection: a case report

Int J Neurosci. 2021 Mar;131(3):307-311. doi: 10.1080/00207454.2020.1737531. Epub 2020 Mar 9.

Abstract

Purpose: Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome (OMS) is a rare neurological disease that can be associated with autoimmunity, paraneoplastic tumour, infection or unknown aetiology.Methods: We describe a 54-year-old woman who developed severe OMS, with the clinical onset occurring 2 months and 15 days after she experienced dizziness, vomiting and fever related to a herpes simplex virus infection. The patient was treated with hormones and clonazepam, and the symptoms of myoclonus and ataxia disappeared.Results: The patient was followed up for 1 year with no recurrence of symptoms.Conclusions: The case suggests that herpes simplex virus infection is a possible cause of OMS.

Keywords: Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome; herpes simplex virus; herpes simplex virus encephalitis; infection; relapse.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Clonazepam / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Herpes Simplex / complications*
  • Herpes Simplex / diagnostic imaging*
  • Herpes Simplex / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Methylprednisolone / administration & dosage
  • Middle Aged
  • Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome / diagnostic imaging*
  • Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome / etiology*
  • Simplexvirus / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • Clonazepam
  • Methylprednisolone