The Differential Diagnosis of Acute Onset Truncal Ataxia: The Importance of Dysgeusia in Miller Fisher Syndrome

Abstract

Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) can be difficult to diagnose, particularly in mild cases where some of the standard triad of symptoms (external ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and loss of deep tendon reflex) are absent. We herein report a case of the incomplete form of MFS diagnosed in a 54-year-old Japanese man who presented only with ataxia symptoms and was positive for the anti-GQ1b antibody. However, the patient also suffered from dysgeusia, a significant impairment of taste perception. We propose that dysgeusia in acute-onset ataxia cases may constitute an important clinical feature to aid in the diagnosis of the incomplete form of MFS.