Question Title: Epstein Barr Virus and neurological symptoms

Forum: Neurology Forum
Topic: Neurology - General

Posted by CCF Neurology MD on February 18, 1998 at 22:30:25:

In Reply to: Epstein Barr Virus and neurological symptoms posted by Jaime on February 18, 1998 at 20:15:19:

: I have had EBV for 4 months now, and I have recently started having muscle spasms in my left leg, and numbness and tingling sensations on the right side of my face and my right hand. Can EBV cause this? Are there any good EBV resources on the net? Thanks

Dear Jamie,

Yes, EBV can cause neurological symptoms which may develop up to several months following the initial infection. Symptoms may include meningitis, ataxia (difficulty with coordination and walking like drunk), various cranial nerve problems, polyradiculopathy (numbness and tingling sensations, weakness) and a guillian barre syndrome (potentially the most serious because it can lead to progressive weakness and sensory changes). Muscle cramps have been described but only in the thoracolumbar region (low back region). It sound as if you may have symptoms of a neuropathy (numbness and tingling) however, with facial symptoms, you may have a cranial nerve involved as well. In general, the chance of improvement is favorable. If you have not been evaluated by a neurologist, I would suggest that you do so. If you are interested in getting an evaluation by a neurologist at CCF, call 1-800-CCF-CARE. Ask for the neurology appointments secretary. I do not know of any web sites that would provide you with information.

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