Abnormal Saccadic Oscillations Associated with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Encephalopathy and Ataxia
November 2020
in “
Movement Disorders Clinical Practice
”
TLDR A man developed neurological issues from SARS-CoV-2 without severe breathing problems, worsening to death.
The document reports on a 79-year-old man who exhibited neurological symptoms, including saccadic oscillations and ataxia, after being infected with SARS-CoV-2. Although he did not show severe respiratory symptoms typically associated with COVID-19, he was hospitalized due to confusion, diarrhea, and physical decline. His condition progressed to include severe confusion, agitation, and gait ataxia, with a neurological examination revealing ocular flutter and opsoclonus. Despite no acute findings on MRI scans, his cognitive function initially improved before his encephalopathy worsened, leading to his death 43 days post-diagnosis. This case contributes to the understanding that SARS-CoV-2 can lead to neurological conditions like opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome (OMS) through immune-related brainstem or cerebellum dysfunction, even without severe respiratory issues.
