Neuropsychological decline/improvement in opsoclonus myoclonus ataxia

Abstract

Opsoclonus myoclonus ataxia (OMA) is a rare neurological disorder (incidence = ∼1/5 million) primarily associated with involuntary conjugate saccadic eye movements, involuntary muscle jerks, cerebellar ataxia, and neuropsychological impairments. Unfortunately, there is limited published data regarding the nature and course of neuropsychological impairments following OMA diagnosis and treatment. This study presents neuropsychological data obtained at 1, 4, and 18 months post-diagnosis of a 52-year-old male with OMA. The patient initially demonstrated significant global neurocognitive, psychomotor, and psychological difficulties with substantial improvement over time. Treatment included medication management, physical rehabilitation, and psychological intervention.

Keywords:

• Opsoclonus myoclonus ataxia
• Neuropsychological impairments