Miller Fisher Syndrome (also known as Syndrome, Miller Fisher, Miller Fisher Variant of Guillain Barre Syndrome): A variant of the GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME characterized by the acute onset of oculomotor dysfunction, ataxia, and loss of deep tendon reflexes with relative sparing of strength in the extremities and trunk.
NIH MeSH · D019846Diseases
Miller Fisher Syndrome
Also known asSyndrome, Miller Fisher · Miller Fisher Variant of Guillain Barre Syndrome · Miller-Fisher Syndrome · Syndrome, Miller-Fisher · Fisher Syndrome · Syndrome, Fisher · Guillain Barre Syndrome, Miller Fisher Variant · Ophthalmoplegia, Ataxia and Areflexia Syndrome · Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Miller Fisher Variant
Definition
A variant of the GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME characterized by the acute onset of oculomotor dysfunction, ataxia, and loss of deep tendon reflexes with relative sparing of strength in the extremities and trunk. The ataxia is produced by peripheral sensory nerve dysfunction and not by cerebellar injury. Facial weakness and sensory loss may also occur. The process is mediated by autoantibodies directed against a component of myelin found in peripheral nerves. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p1313; Neurology 1987 Sep;37(9):1493-8)
MeSH classification
C10.114.750.100.500
C10.228.140.252.500
C10.292.562.350
C10.314.750.450.500
C10.668.829.800.750.300.500
C11.590.312
C20.111.258.750.400.500
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What does Miller Fisher Syndrome mean in medicine?
A variant of the GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME characterized by the acute onset of oculomotor dysfunction, ataxia, and loss of deep tendon reflexes with relative sparing of strength in the extremities and trunk. The ataxia is produced by peripheral sensory nerve dysfunction and not by cerebellar injury. Facial weakness and sensory loss may also occur. The process is mediated by autoantibodies directed against a component of myelin found in peripheral nerves. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p1313; Neurology 1987 Sep;37(9):1493-8) This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Miller Fisher Syndrome known by any other names?
Yes. Miller Fisher Syndrome is also referred to as Syndrome, Miller Fisher, Miller Fisher Variant of Guillain Barre Syndrome, Miller-Fisher Syndrome, Syndrome, Miller-Fisher in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Miller Fisher Syndrome sit in the medical classification?
Miller Fisher Syndrome falls under the broader medical category "Diseases" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: C10.114.750.100.500, C10.228.140.252.500, C10.292.562.350). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Miller Fisher Syndrome?
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