Malaria causing post-infectious cerebellitis, a case report and literature review

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Parasitology

Background:

• Malaria is a widespread parasitic infection with diverse clinical manifestations.
• It should be considered in symptomatic individuals with recent travel to malaria-endemic regions.

Observation:

• A previously healthy 28-year-old patient presented with cerebellar signs.
• These neurological symptoms were later identified as a malaria complication.

Findings:

• Classical malaria symptoms (fever) occur in only about 60% of patients.
• Neurological presentations, including cerebellar ataxia, can be early signs of cerebral malaria or post-malaria syndromes.
• The case patient's malaria-related cerebellar signs responded well to anti-malarial treatment.

Implications:

• Malaria should be a differential diagnosis for patients with cerebellar signs.
• Prompt initiation of anti-malarial therapy is vital for managing neurological complications of malaria.
• Recognizing atypical malaria presentations improves patient outcomes and prevents severe sequelae.