A Case of Bickerstaff's Encephalitis: With Special Reference to Neurotological Findings

Abstract

The case of a 60—year old male with prodromal common cold symptoms and progression of brain stem involvement with no cardiac or respiratory complications is described. This conformed to the criteria of Bickerstaff's encephalitis. Neurotological examinations, including the OKN test, the caloric test, and the GBST were performed from onset to recovery of the disease. The results of these tests closely reflected the central nervous system disorders each time, but there was a discrepancy in the results of the two test batteries of equilibrium function, the caloric test and the GBST. The caloric test showed bilateral canal paresis while the GBST showed normal responses. These results suggested that the involved area of the vestibular nucleus was localized to the superior portions. Form our clinical observations, we can conclude that neurotological examinations provide more vital information for localized diagnosis and follow—up of the brain stem lesion in Bickerstaff's encephalitis.

Key Words:

• optokinetic nystagmus test
• caloric test
• galvanic body sway test
• brainstem encephalitis