Eye-movement abnormalities in ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and areflexia (Fisher's syndrome)

N. L. Zasorin, R. D. Yee and R. W. Baloh

Ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and areflexia are present in a distinctive syndrome called Fisher's syndrome. Eye-movement recordings were used to analyze ophthalmoplegia and other eye-movement abnormalities in three patients. Disorders of supranuclear ocular motor pathways (palsy of upward gaze and internuclear ophthalmoplegia) and peripheral cranial nerve palsies could account for the ophthalmoplegia. In one patient, computed tomography demonstrated a lucency in the midbrain that could be correlated with palsy of upward gaze and bilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia. Eye-movement abnormalities characteristic of lesions of the midline structures of the cerebellum were documented in two patients. A review of reported cases of Fisher's syndrome and brain-stem encephalitis suggested that these syndromes comprise a spectrum of a reversible, parainfectious process affecting the peripheral cranial nerves and CNS.