A variant of the GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME characterized by the acute onset of oculomotor dysfunction, ataxia, and loss of deep tendon reflexes with relative sparing of strength in the extremities and trunk. The ataxia is produced by peripheral sensory nerve dysfunction and not by cerebellar injury. Facial weakness and sensory loss may also occur. The process is mediated by autoantibodies directed against a component of myelin found in peripheral nerves. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p1313; Neurology 1987 Sep;37(9):1493-8)

Annotation

entry term FISHER SYNDROME: do not confuse with the Fisher one-and-a-half syndrome, an eye movement disorder caused by a brain stem lesion

DUI

D019846 MeSH Browser

CUI

M0029456

Previous indexing

Cerebellar Ataxia (1970-1997); Ophthalmoplegia (1966-1997); Polyradiculitis (1966-1984); Polyradiculoneuritis (1981-1997); Reflex, Abnormal (1966-1997)

History note

1998

Public note

1998