Severe stridor and profound weakness after cerebral malaria.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Cerebral malaria (CM) is a severe Plasmodium falciparum complication with high mortality and neurological sequelae in children.
• Diagnostic challenges arise in resource-limited settings, particularly with atypical presentations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of pediatric cerebral malaria presenting with severe stridor and profound weakness.
• To discuss the diagnostic challenges and management of these complications in an intensive care setting.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a pediatric patient admitted with cerebral malaria.
• Diagnostic workup including ENT consultation for stridor and assessment of profound weakness.
• Management involved intensive physiotherapy.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with severe stridor and profound weakness, initially posing a diagnostic dilemma.
• Vocal cord paresis was diagnosed as the cause of stridor.
• Intensive physiotherapy led to the resolution of both stridor and weakness within one month.

Conclusions:

• Severe stridor and profound weakness can be presenting complications of pediatric cerebral malaria.
• Prompt diagnosis and intensive supportive care, including physiotherapy, are crucial for recovery.
• This case underscores the importance of considering neurological complications in CM management.