Acute ophthalmoplegia without ataxia associated with anti-GQ1b antibody in a Chinese Gentleman

Abstract

Miller Fisher first described three patients who suffered from acute neurological illness characterized by ophthalmoplegia, areflexia and ataxia. It is considered to be a subtype of Guillain Barre Syndrome. While another subtype of GBS without ataxia was first described by Chiba et al. and is associated with isolated acute ophthalmoplegia with raised anti-GQ1b Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody in early phase of illness. We report a Chinese patient who presented with acute ophthalmoplegia without ataxia nor limb weakness with strongly positive anti-GQ1b IgG antibody.  His neurological symptoms improved after a course of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy.