Hypothalamic abnormalities and Parkinsonism associated with H1N1 influenza infection

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Objective</p> <p>To describe a case of a young adult with severe H1N1 influenza illness associated with hypothalamic abnormalities and post-influenza parkinsonism.</p> <p>Design</p> <p>Case report.</p> <p>Patient</p> <p>A 22-year-old woman with H1N1 influenza infection developed encephalopathy followed by diverse hypothalamic dysfunction manifestations, sleeplessness, and persistent parkinsonian features.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>CSF analysis, brain imaging and EEG ruled out hypoxic brain injury or other illnesses.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>A number of viruses have been associated with both acute and chronic parkinsonism. A link between parkinsonism and influenza viruses is somewhat controversial. This is the first reported case of parkinsonism following an H1N1 influenza infection.</p