Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
09:14
Isolation and Quantification of Epstein-Barr Virus from the P3HR1 Cell Line
Published on: September 28, 2022
Epstein-Barr virus-associated cerebellar ataxia
Khalid Ali1, Charlotte Lawthom
1Department of Neurology, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, UK. khalid_w2003@yahoo.co.uk
BMJ Case Reports
|April 24, 2013
Summary
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can cause acute cerebellar ataxia, a rare neurological complication. This case highlights EBV as a potential cause of ataxia, even without typical mononucleosis symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Cerebellar ataxia is a frequent neurological symptom with various onset patterns (acute, subacute, chronic).
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is known to cause diverse neurological complications.
- Acute cerebellar ataxia is a recognized, albeit uncommon, neurological manifestation of EBV infection.
Observation:
- A 38-year-old male presented with acute cerebellar ataxia.
- The patient's presentation was attributed to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection.
- The ataxia occurred without the typical systemic signs of infectious mononucleosis.
Findings:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection can manifest solely as acute cerebellar ataxia.
- The underlying pathophysiology of EBV-associated ataxia remains unclear.
- While often self-limiting over months, EBV-induced ataxia can potentially lead to severe complications.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering EBV in the differential diagnosis of acute cerebellar ataxia, particularly in the absence of systemic symptoms.
- Suggests that EBV should be investigated in cases of unexplained acute neurological deficits.
- Emphasizes the need for further research into the pathophysiology and management of EBV-related neurological complications.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
01:25Arboviral Encephalitis
Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
01:26Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
01:18Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
01:27Cytomegalovirus Disease
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
01:22Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...