Bickerstaff Brainstem Encephalitis: A Clinical Case
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61788/njn.v2i26.13Keywords:
Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis, MRI, plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulinAbstract
Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis (BBE) is a clinical diagnosis characterized by typical clinical manifestations, including ataxia, ophthalmoplegia, and impaired consciousness, along with characteristic focal changes in the pons and cerebellum identified on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). In the clinical case presented, the typical clinical and radiological findings of BBE are highlighted. Although it is a rare disease, accurate diagnosis and a properly prescribed treatment regimen for BBE can significantly improve patient outcomes and potentially save lives.
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