6 Cases of Postinfectious Opsoclonus in Adult

Abstract

Opsoclonus is the involuntary, repetitive, rapid conjugate ocular movements occurring

in all directions that are irregular in amplitude and frequency. The causes of opsoclonus

are idiopathic, paraneoplastic or postinfectious. Opsoclonus of the postinfectious origin

often accompanies other abnormal movements such as tremor, myoclonus and ataxia,

and shows a relatively benign course with good response to steroid. Six patients, who

suffered from myalgia, chilling, fever, cough and generalized weakness for one to two

weeks prior to the admission, experienced visual disturbance, gait unsteadiness and

clumsiness of the upper extremities. Prominent opsoclonus, tremulous movements of

trunk and limbs, and intermittent myoclonus were observed. These symptoms markedly

improved several days following the use of ACTH or dexamethasone.