Post-infectious cerebellar ataxia following COVID-19 in a patient with epilepsy.

Abstract

BackgroundVarious neurological manifestations have been described in relation to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). However, the development of cerebellar ataxia after recovery from COVID‐19 is rare. We present a case of cerebellar ataxia 3 weeks after recovery from COVID‐19.Case PresentationA 70‐year‐old male patient from an urban area of India presented with ataxia. He was hypertensive and had been receiving treatment for post‐traumatic epilepsy for the previous 3 years. He had previously had laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 infection with mild symptoms that resolved within 2 weeks. However, 3 weeks after symptom improvement, he developed severe pan‐cerebellar ataxia. Investigations were suggestive of post‐infectious cerebellar ataxia. Other causes of ataxia were excluded. He responded well to pulse methylprednisolone therapy and was discharged with mild tremor and ataxia.ConclusionPost‐infectious cerebellar ataxia is an unusual presentation after COVID‐19. The clinician should be aware of such complications following COVID‐19 infection as early diagnosis and proper management leads to better outcomes in many patients.