[Acute relapsing sensory neuropathy following upper respiratory infections--a case report]

A 44-year-old man developed numbness in his hands and feet and an unsteady gait following an upper respiratory symptoms. The symptoms progressed rapidly and reached maximum in a few days, followed by a gradual improvement over a few weeks, but his gait remained unsteady. His symptoms progressively increased over 14 years, with 11 relapses of similar episodes. Neurologic examination showed normal limb strength. Deep tendon reflexes were absent. Touch, cold, and pinprick sensation were impaired in his hands and feet. There was a profound loss of position and vibration sense in all extremities. He demonstrated an unsteady and broad-based gait. Electrophysiologic and histologic examination on the peripheral nerves revealed evidences of axonal degeneration without demyelination involving the sensory nerves.