Living with Miller Fisher syndrome
A rare nerve condition, related to Guillain-Barre syndrome, that affects eye movement, balance, and reflexes.
Understanding Miller Fisher syndrome
The main features are poor muscle coordination (ataxia), weak eye muscles that make it hard to move the eyes in some directions (ophthalmoplegia), and absent tendon reflexes. Symptoms often start several days after a viral illness. Muscle weakness and breathing trouble can also occur. It is thought to be autoimmune, and an antibody called anti-GQ1b is found in most people. It can start at any age.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Poor muscle coordination (ataxia)
- Weakness of the eye muscles (ophthalmoplegia)
- Absent tendon reflexes
- Double vision
- Widened pupils
- Rapid eye movements (nystagmus)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
GBS/CIDP Foundation International and The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: GBS/CIDP Foundation International, The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with GBS/CIDP Foundation International and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the cause is not known. It is thought to be an autoimmune disease in which antibodies attack the nerves.
Also known as: cranial variant of gbs; cranial variant of guillain-barre syndrome; cranial variant of guillain-barré syndrome; fisher syndrome; fisher's syndrome; guillain barre syndrome, miller fisher variant
Patient organizations
- GBS/CIDP Foundation InternationalMiller Fisher syndrome · United States
- The Foundation for Peripheral NeuropathyPeripheral neuropathy · United States
- Neuropathy Action FoundationPeripheral neuropathy · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Miller Fisher syndrome.
Explore research for Miller Fisher syndrome
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