The immune system plays a crucial role in health and wellness, as it fends off a wide range of infections. However, the immune system can sometimes have a faulty response, which will cause it to attack healthy tissues within the body.
With Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), nerves in the upper portion of the body are targeted first, which is in contrast to Guillain-Barré syndrome, where symptoms typically begin in the lower extremities and move up as the condition progresses.
Like Guillain-Barré syndrome, there is no cure for MFS. However, doctors can use certain treatments, such as plasma exchange and immunoglobulin therapy, to stop the immune system from targeting nerves.
People with MFS often experience decreased mobility due to nerve damage. As a result, it may be necessary to remain in bed during the recovery period, which can take from two to six months. Extended bed rest is associated with a heightened risk of blood clots, so MFS patients may receive blood thinning medications in addition to other treatments. If pressure sores develop, antibiotics may be necessary to prevent a serious infection.
Doctors are not sure why some people get MFS, and it is not totally possible to avoid the illness. However, MFS often occurs after a viral or bacterial infection, and certain steps can help you maintain good general health:
The good news is that MFS generally has a good prognosis. While it can be challenging to bounce back from the condition, the majority of people who experience it make a full recovery.