Acute cerebellar ataxia and myoclonus with or without opsoclonus: a para-infectious syndrome associated with COVID-19

Abstract

Background and purpose: Patients with COVID-19 can have central or peripheral neurological manifestations. Methods: The cases of two patients with acute cerebellar ataxia and myoclonus associated with COVID-19 are reported (with Video S1) and five previously reported patients are discussed. Results: Acute cerebellar ataxia and myoclonus started between 10 days and 6 weeks after the first manifestations of COVID-19. Opsoclonus or ocular flutter was present in four patients. Patients were treated with intravenous immunoglobulins and/or steroids except for one patient, resulting in a striking improvement within a week. Conclusion: Acute cerebellar ataxia and myoclonus with or without opsoclonus belongs to the wide spectrum of neurological manifestations associated with COVID-19. It is important to recognize this possible manifestation since early treatment allows for rapid recovery.