Is initial preservation of deep tendon reflexes in West Nile Virus paralysis a good prognostic sign?
- Author:
Deb Kumar Mojumder
;
Melina Agosto
;
Henrik Wilms
;
Jongyeol Kim M.D.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Neurology Asia
2014;19(1):93-97
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Typical West Nile virus paralysis is characterized by muscle weakness, decreased tone, and loss of deep
tendon reflexes attributed to destruction of anterior horn cells. Two cases in which deep tendon reflexes
were initially preserved in the presence of profound and persistent muscle weakness are presented
here. In both cases, deep tendon reflexes were later severely attenuated or lost, while weakness of the
involved muscles remained profound and unchanged. Both patients showed good motor recovery at
6 months. Initial preservation of deep tendon reflexes in the presence of persistent muscle weakness
indicates that in the early stages of disease, the muscle weakness in these two cases was not caused
by destruction of anterior horn cells. Pathology involving anterior horns preceding AHC destruction
could potentially disrupt upper motor neuron pathways to anterior horn cells, causing weakness with
initial preserved deep tendon reflexes.
- Full text:P020150624459777437642.pdf
