Case Report: Brachial Neuritis in a Patient with Epstein Barr Virus

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Virology

Background:

• Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is a common human herpesvirus.
• Neurological manifestations of EBV are reported but may be underdiagnosed.
• Acute EBV infection can present with diverse clinical symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of persistent neurological sequelae following acute Epstein Barr virus infection.
• To highlight the diagnostic challenges and underestimation of neurological involvement in EBV infections.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 41-year-old male with recent travel history.
• Clinical presentation including fever, coryzal symptoms, shoulder pain, and weakness.
• Laboratory investigations including liver function tests and electromyography.
• Cerebrospinal fluid analysis.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with symptoms suggestive of acute EBV infection.
• Electromyography revealed abnormalities in the right upper limb.
• Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was negative for EBV.
• Persistent right upper limb weakness was noted at three-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Acute Epstein Barr virus infection can lead to prolonged neurological deficits.
• Neurological complications of EBV may occur despite negative cerebrospinal fluid findings.
• EBV should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained neurological symptoms.