Objective: Describe the first Brazilian case of opsoclonus due to COVID-19 infection

Background: Opsoclonus-myoclonus is a rare movement disorder associated with a variety of conditions, like tumours, viral and bacterial infections, and other clinical situations; Recently, that have been reported by some authors, appearing several days after the beginning of COVID-19 infection.

Method: A 39-year-old male patient was admitted due to diplopia and blurred vision, associated with loss of balance. Neurological examination disclosed opsoclonus, mild limb and truncal ataxia and facial myokymia.

Results: An extensive laboratory and radiologic evaluation were normal. The patient improved completely after methylprednisolone pulse therapy for 5 days. As for 30 days after discharge, there were no more neurological abnormalities.

Conclusion: This is the first Brazilian patient presenting with opsoclonus secondary to COVID-19 infection. Opsoclonus is a rare syndrome and may occur after many different conditions. SARS-CoV-2 infection must be included among them, and normal brain magnetic resonance imaging and spinal fluid examination do not rule out this diagnosis.

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5. Foucard C, San-Gill A, Tarrano C et al. Acute cerebellar ataxia and myoclonus with or without opsoclonus: a parainfectious syndrome associated with COVID-19. Eur J Neurol, 2021. DOI: 10.1111/ene.14726
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