Re: Epstein Barr Virus and neurological symptoms
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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
spasmsCoronary artery spasm
Croup
Eyelid twitch
Facial tics
Hand or foot spasms
Urge incontinence
Vascular spasm in my left leg, and
numbnessNumbness and tingling and tingling sensations on the right side of my
faceFace pain and my right
handHand or foot spasms
Hand tremor. Can EBV cause this? Are there any good EBV
resourcesResource optisource 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,
ataxiaAcute cerebellar 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.