HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes Brisk Reflexes In Legs With History Of Meningoencephalitis In A Toddler?

Posted on Fri, 11 Mar 2016

Question: Hi, My son twin one born 33+6 previous history of enterovirus, viral menigioencephalitis at 4 weeks old. Apnoeotic episodes now resolved. He has only recently started to walk around furniture and cannot walk independently, I have noticed his left leg turns out wards 90 degrees when walking and sometimes he drags it behind. We have bought him some pre walker shoes, he is now crossing his feet and has adopted to walking sideways. He is also having what I think are absence seizures and Atonic seizures, he has a turn inwards on his right eye which developed last week and has 'reduced vision this eye also. On examination the Doctor stated he had 'Brisk reflexes' in his legs what doe this imply? Thanks in advance, P.S. He is awaiting MRI of head. EEG & Physio.

Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Sequelae of meningoencephalitis may cause these symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Hi X XXXXXXX
Thanks for being on healthcaremagic.com.
I am Dr.Ajay Panwar,a neurologist,here to answer your query.

The clinical picture of your son(walking difficulty,brisk reflexes and seizures)may be a sequelae to meningoencephalitis. These clinical features are indicating towards a possible brain damage.MRI of brain should make the picture clear and will help towards the diagnosis.
I suggest you to move ahead with the planned investigations(MRI and EEG).EEG may come abnormal if there are frequent abnormal discharges and thus will be of diagnostic help.

Hope this helps.If you have some further questions,I shall be glad to have you in follow-up.

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ajay Panwar (15 hours later)

Thank you for your answer, would it take that long to manifest i.e.17 months. His twin has severe brain damage which has caused blindness, epilepsy and he cannot sit or walk unaided. Obviously we are now concerned for my son as these symptoms have only just developed. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
MRI Brain will help diagnostically.

Detailed Answer:
Hi X XXXXXXX
Thanks for being in follow-up.

While the baby has just started to walk,how could have you identified his walking difficulty early on? Seizures can manifest even late to the primary illness.Besides,sequelae to meningoencephalitis can manifest even years later.

I am of the opinion that MRI Brain will guide us towards the diagnosis.

If you have some further questions,I shall be glad to have you in follow-up.

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar