Volume : VI, Issue : III, March - 2016

Delayed Cerebellar Ataxia: A Rare Complication of Falciparum Malaria from a Non–endemic Area

Dimple M Jamkhandi, Vijay Turaka, Anand Zachariah, Kuryan George

Abstract :

PURPOSE – The purpose of this study is to understand the profile of the patients with delayed cerebellar ataxia due to plasmodium falciparum infection in a non–endemic area. METHODS – A retrospective chart review of diagnosed cases of malaria who presented with delayed cerebellar ataxia with positive blood smear for plasmodium falciparum between November 2014 and April 2015. RESULTS – A total of 17 patients were diagnosed to have malaria out of which 9 patients presented with delayed cerebellar ataxia. All the 9 patients were tested positive for plasmodium falciparum. None of these 9 patients had a previous history of malaria infection or its treatment. Mean duration between fever and ataxic symptoms was 14 days (Range: 7–28 days). All patients received artemether and lumifantrin combination. CONCLUSION – Delayed cerebellar ataxia is a self–limiting neurological complication of falciparum malaria. In a malaria endemic area, all patients with cerebellar ataxia with history of fever in the recent past should be investigated for malaria parasites in the blood. Once the parasite is documented, further evaluation of ataxia may be unnecessary especially in resource constrained regions while anti–malarial treatment should be initiated promptly and effectively to anticipate complete recovery

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Article: Download PDF   DOI : 10.36106/ijar  

Cite This Article:

Dimple M Jamkhandi, Vijay Turaka, Anand zachariah, Kuryan George Delayed Cerebellar Ataxia: A Rare Complication of Falciparum Malaria from a Non–endemic Area Indian Journal of Applied Research, Vol.6, Issue : 3 March 2016

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