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Acute cerebellar ataxia and hearing loss as initial symptoms of infectious mononucleosis
Abstract:
A 16-year-old boy had symptoms and signs of cerebellar ataxia and hearing loss. He had no systemic manifestations of infectious mononucleosis and no lymphocytosis. Results of a test for infectious mononucleosis were positive and there was a fourfold rise of serum antibody titer to Epstein-Barr virus capsid antigen. The patient recovered from ataxia but the hearing loss persisted. We reviewed the English literature and 15 cases of cerebellar ataxia associated with infectious mononucleosis were collected. In four of these cases, cerebellar ataxia was the sole manifestation of infectious mononucleosis but no patient had a hearing loss. All patients recovered from ataxia.
Insights
A rare case of cerebellar ataxia and hearing loss in a teen was linked to Epstein-Barr virus (infectious mononucleosis). While ataxia resolved, hearing loss persisted, highlighting a unique neurological complication.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Cerebellar ataxia and hearing loss are significant neurological and audiological concerns.
- Infectious mononucleosis, caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), can present with diverse clinical manifestations.
- Neurological complications of EBV infection, though uncommon, warrant thorough investigation.