Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 18, 2025

Modeling Tuberculosis in Mycobacterium marinum Infected Adult Zebrafish
Published on: October 8, 2018
Persistent miller fisher syndrome following COVID-19 infection: A case report
Margaret Donat1,2, Ivie Odiase3, Aldo Alleva1,2
1Department of Family Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Long Island, New York, United States.
Abstract:
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an inflammatory disease of the peripheral nervous system, with Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS) being a rare variant. Recent studies have shown GBS and MFS to be a common side effect of COVID-19. This case report highlights the clinical presentation of a patient diagnosed with post-COVID-19 MFS, their subsequent treatment challenges, and the prognostic outcomes, contributing to the limited scientific literature of this uncommon affliction. A comprehensive case report of a 57-year-old man with significant medical history was conducted to determine the appropriate diagnosis based on the perceived symptoms following COVID-19. Per the Northwell health human research protection program, the publication of case reports involving up to three patients is not considered human-subject research and does not require IRB review and approval. Our patient was diagnosed with MFS, making him the longest-known adult with COVID-19-associated MFS without resolution of neurologic symptoms after intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) dose administration. Our case report posits the first-known patient to have a more severe form of MFS or resistance to IVIG dose. The current study also highlights the association between COVID-19 and MFS, warranting the need for more studies to understand the disease pathophysiology and new biomarkers for targeted treatments.
Insights
Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS), a rare variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), can be a side effect of COVID-19. This case report details a severe, IVIG-resistant MFS case following COVID-19 in an adult.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an inflammatory peripheral nervous system disorder.
- Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a rare variant of GBS.
- Emerging evidence links GBS and MFS to COVID-19 infections.
Observation:
- This case report details a 57-year-old male diagnosed with MFS post-COVID-19.
- The patient presented with neurological symptoms resistant to standard intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment.
- This represents the longest-documented case of adult COVID-19-associated MFS with persistent symptoms post-IVIG.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited a severe form of MFS, potentially demonstrating resistance to IVIG.
- This case contributes to understanding the spectrum of post-COVID-19 neurological complications.
- The findings highlight the need for further research into MFS pathophysiology and treatment.
Implications:
- This case underscores the association between COVID-19 and MFS, necessitating increased clinical vigilance.
- Further research is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms underlying COVID-19-associated MFS.
- Identifying new biomarkers could lead to more targeted and effective therapeutic strategies for MFS.
Related Concept Videos
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Myocarditis III: Medical Management

