NINDS Miller Fisher Syndrome Information Page

Synonym(s): Fisher Syndrome

Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)

What is Miller Fisher Syndrome?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Clinical Trials
Organizations

What is Miller Fisher Syndrome?

Miller Fisher syndrome is a rare, acquired nerve disease that is considered to be a variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome. It is characterized by abnormal muscle coordination, paralysis of the eye muscles, and absence of the tendon reflexes. Like Guillain-Barré syndrome, symptoms may be preceded by a viral illness. Additional symptoms include generalized muscle weakness and respiratory failure. The majority of individuals with Miller Fisher syndrome have a unique antibody that characterizes the disorder.

Is there any treatment?

Treatment for Miller Fisher syndrome is identical to treatment for Guillain-Barré syndrome: intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) or plasmapheresis (a procedure in which antibodies are removed from the blood) and supportive care.

What is the prognosis?

The prognosis for most individuals with Miller Fisher syndrome is good. In most cases, recovery begins within 2 to 4 weeks of the onset of symptoms, and may be almost complete within 6 months. Some individuals are left with residual deficits. Relapses may occur rarely (in less than 3 percent of cases).

What research is being done?

The NINDS supports research aimed at discovering new ways to diagnose, treat, and, ultimately, cure neuropathies such as Miller Fisher syndrome.

NIH Patient Recruitment for Miller Fisher Syndrome Clinical Trials

Organizations

Column1	Column2
GBS/CIDP Foundation International The Holly Building 104 1/2 Forrest Ave. Narberth, PA 19072 info@gbs-cidp.org http://www.gbs-cidp.org Tel: 610-667-0131 866-224-3301 Fax: 610-667-7036

Related NINDS Publications and Information

NINDS Guillain-Barré Syndrome Information Page
Guillain-Barre Syndrome information sheet compiled by NINDS.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome Fact Sheet
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) fact sheet produced by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Publicaciones en Español

Síndrome de Guillain-Barré

Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892

NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.

Last updated August 19, 2011