MILLER FISHER SYNDROME (MFS)

Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a rare acquired nerve disease related to Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Features include weakness of the eye muscles causing difficulty moving the eyes; impaired limb coordination and unsteadiness; and absent tendon reflexes. Other symptoms may include facial, swallowing and limb weakness, as well as respiratory failure. MFS can affect both children and adults. It often occurs several days (up to four weeks) after a bacterial or viral illness. MFS is rare, affecting one to two people per million each year. It is an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system attacks the nerves. Specific treatment is available but most patients recover within six months even without treatment. Very few patients have permanent neurological problems or relapse. Death is very rare.

Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), in which paralysis starts in the eyes. MFS is also associated with unsteady gait. MFS is less common in the U.S. but more common in Asia.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

MFS has three defining features:

• ophthalmoplegia (eye muscle weakness resulting in impaired eye movements and consequent double vision)
• ataxia (incoordination of the limbs)
• areflexia (absence of tendon reflexes)

These symptoms typically develop rapidly over a few days. Some patients have weakness of the face, tongue and swallowing muscles as well. Others also develop weakness of the limbs and breathing muscles and are then considered to have GBS-MFS overlap syndrome. MFS often occurs several days or up to four weeks after an infective illness (especially Campylobacter jejuni, a diarrheal illness, or Haemophilus influenzae, a respiratory infection).

CAUSES

MFS is an autoimmune disease in which antibodies against a bacterial or viral infection cross-react with and attack the nerves. The site of attack may be the myelin sheaths, which insulate and protect the nerve fibers (axons), or the axons themselves. The principal autoantibody is directed against a molecule called ganglioside GQ1b, which is especially present on the nerves affected. The antibody is present in the blood of at least 80% of people with MFS and can be used to confirm the diagnosis.

HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. It strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When  is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy , but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering mental and physical symptoms

Few homoeopathic medicine can be thought of in the management of miller fisherman syndrome  are:

Gelsemium, zinc met., ruta, physostigma, etc.