Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a patient who recovered from Miller Fisher Syndrome: The role of GQ1b antibody revisited

Abstract

Miller Fisher Syndrome (MFS), a variant of Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are two rare neuromuscular diseases that are usually unrelated. While ganglioside antibodies have a common relation with MFS and GBS, they have also been found in association, albeit less commonly, with ALS. A patient experiencing MFS and then ALS in tandem has never been documented. We discuss a case demonstrating these findings, with GQ1b elevated on both occasions. The pathophysiologic role of GQ1b is explored.

Keywords

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Miller Fisher syndrome
• Ganglioside antibodies
• GQ1b