Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 30, 2025
05:54
MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy for Patients with Medically-refractory Essential Tremor
Published on: December 13, 2017
14.1K
Bilateral Upper Extremity Tremors in West Nile Encephalitis
Kaitlin J Crum1, Rainier Batiste2
1Internal Medicine, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Hammond, USA.
Cureus
|May 11, 2023
Summary
West Nile encephalitis is a rare complication of West Nile virus (WNv) infection. This case highlights WNv IgM in CSF causing bilateral tremors and confusion, emphasizing viral causes in neurologic differentials.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- West Nile virus (WNv) infection can lead to rare neurological complications like West Nile encephalitis.
- Viral encephalitis often presents with symptoms that mimic other neurological disorders, complicating diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old female presented with high fevers, confusion, and new-onset bilateral upper extremity tremors.
- Cranial CT scans were normal, but cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed WNv IgM antibodies.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms, including tremors and confusion, persisted during hospitalization.
- Supportive care was initiated, and the patient was eventually transferred to a skilled nursing facility.
Implications:
- Movement disorders and confusion in patients with fever and elevated WBC count warrant consideration of viral etiologies, such as West Nile virus.
- Prompt identification of viral causes can prevent unnecessary diagnostic workups and guide appropriate treatment for encephalitis.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Seizures: Classification
460
Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
460
01:15Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
1.1K
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition affecting neuromuscular transmission, causing generalized weakness in skeletal muscles. Initial diagnoses rely on patients' signs, symptoms, and medical history. The challenge lies in distinguishing myasthenia from other muscular dystrophies. An important diagnostic feature is the significant improvement of symptoms after administering anticholinesterase inhibitors.
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
1.1K
01:27Restless Leg Syndrome and Night Terrors
220
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a neurological disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs due to uncomfortable sensations. These sensations typically occur during periods of rest or inactivity, particularly when lying down or sitting, and can severely disrupt sleep.
The exact cause of RLS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate muscle movement. Imbalances in dopamine levels...
The exact cause of RLS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate muscle movement. Imbalances in dopamine levels...
220
01:24Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
232
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
232
01:28Disorders of the Nervous Tissue
1.4K
Nervous tissue is a vital component of the human body's communication system, enabling us to perceive and respond to stimuli. However, like all other tissues, it is vulnerable to disorders and diseases that can significantly impact our neurological functioning.
Homeostatic Imbalances:
Alzheimer's disease manifests as a gradual decline in memory and cognitive abilities, attributed to the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
Parkinson's disease arises from the...
Homeostatic Imbalances:
Alzheimer's disease manifests as a gradual decline in memory and cognitive abilities, attributed to the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
Parkinson's disease arises from the...
1.4K
01:20Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
1.7K
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
1.7K