Synonyms|Editors|Languages|Comments|Home|Sponsors|Health Information
 
  Miller Fisher Syndrome 
Synonym(s):  Fisher Syndrome
Reviewed  12-28-2001  

Get Web page suited for printing
Email this to a friend or colleague
Studies with patients

Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)

What is Miller Fisher Syndrome?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?

Organizations
Related NINDS Publications and Information

What is Miller Fisher Syndrome?
Miller Fisher syndrome is a rare, acute polyneuropathy characterized by ataxia (abnormal muscle coordination), ophthalmoplegia (paralysis of the eye muscles), and areflexia (absence of the reflexes). The disorder is a variant of Guillain-Barre syndrome. Symptoms may be preceded by a viral illness and include generalized muscle weakness and respiratory failure as in Guillain-Barre syndrome. The majority of individuals with Miller Fisher syndrome have a unique antibody that characterizes the disorder.

Is there any treatment?
Treatment for Miller Fisher syndrome is identical to treatment for Guillain-Barre syndrome: intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) or plasmapheresis (a procedure in which antibodies are removed from the blood) and supportive care.

What is the prognosis?
The prognosis for most individuals with Miller Fisher syndrome is good. In most cases, recovery begins within 2 to 4 weeks of the onset of symptoms, and may be almost complete within 6 months. Some individuals are left with residual deficits. Very rarely (in less than 3 percent of cases) relapses may occur.

What research is being done?
The NINDS supports research aimed at discovering new ways to diagnose, treat, and, ultimately, cure neuropathies such as Miller Fisher syndrome.

Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.

 Organizations

Guillain-Barre Syndrome Foundation International
P.O. Box 262
Wynnewood, PA 19096
info@gbsfi.com
http://www.gbsfi.com
Tel: 610-667-0131
Fax: 610-667-7036

Related NINDS Publications and Information

NINDS Guillain-Barre Syndrome 
No Description Available at This Time

  • Guillain-Barrč Syndrome Fact Sheet
    No Description Available at This Time

  • El Síndrome de Guillain-Barré
    No Description Available at This Time


    NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

    All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.


    Provided by:
    The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
    National Institutes of Health
    Bethesda, MD 20892




    Return to top


  • Home | About NINDS | Disorders | Funding | News & Events | Find People | Jobs & Training | Accessibility

    H H S Logo - link to U. S. Department of Health and Human Services     N I H logo - link to U. S. National Institutes of Health    N I N D S logo - link to National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke    FirstGov Logo - link To FirstGov