RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Brainstem encephalitis
JF Neurosciences Journal
JO Neurosciences (Riyadh)
FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City
SP 152
OP 157
DO 10.17712/nsj.2018.2.20170401
VO 23
IS 2
A1 Sarah A. Bin Abdulqader
A1 Hisham M. Alkhalidi
A1 Abdulrazag M. Ajlan
YR 2018
UL http://nsj.org.sa/content/23/2/152.abstract
AB Brainstem encephalitis (BE) is a rare, severe, and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the central nervous system. Brainstem encephalitis has multiple etiologies, which vary in treatment and outcomes. The current literature is generally focused on the infectious causes of BE, while little is known about the other entities, including cases with inconclusive diagnoses. Additionally, the outcomes of BE are not well documented. We present a case of an 18-year-old male who presented with progressive symptoms of brainstem involvement. His clinical investigations, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, were normal; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed an enhancing medullary lesion, while tissue biopsy yielded no specific diagnosis. Multiple empirical treatments to address possible autoimmune and infectious processes were started with no significant improvement. He continued to deteriorate over a period of 12 weeks. Thereafter, following intensive supportive and rehabilitative care, he started to show slow signs of improvement.