ENTERIC FEVER PRESENTING AS PALATAL PALSY, CEREBELLAR ATAXIA AND SEVERE THROMBOCYTOPENIA: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Enteric fever, being a systemic infection is associated with a variety of clinical presentations, multisystem involvement and complications. Although central nervous system involvement is not uncommon, acute cerebellar ataxia and palatal palsy as a presenting feature are rare. A 13 year old girl with enteric fever who presented with acute cerebellar ataxia and palatal palsy with marked thrombocytopenia in early phase of illness is being reported. This atypical presentation is not common in enteric fever in early course of the disease and can lead to misdiagnosis as well as a delay in the initiation of appropriate therapy. Prompt clinical improvement and the return of platelet counts to normal were noted after the patient was started on intravenous ceftriaxone.