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Published on: July 24, 2016
Temporary divergence paralysis in viral meningitis.
1Department of Neurology, St. Franciscus General Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. s.bakker@sfg.nl
Summary
A rare case of divergence palsy, a type of eye muscle misalignment, was diagnosed in a woman with viral meningitis. Prompt treatment led to a full recovery, highlighting a new association between this neurological condition and meningitis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Divergence palsy is an uncommon condition affecting eye alignment.
- Viral meningitis is an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old woman presented with diplopia and headache.
- Neurological examination and brain MRI were normal.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis indicated viral meningitis with elevated opening pressure.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited comitant esotropia at distance and normal alignment at near, consistent with divergence palsy.
- This is the first reported instance of divergence palsy associated with viral meningitis.
Implications:
- This case suggests viral meningitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of new-onset divergence palsy.
- Early diagnosis and management of viral meningitis may prevent long-term neurological sequelae.
- Further research is warranted to understand the pathophysiology linking viral meningitis and divergence palsy.
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