Mumbai: In a rare medical occurrence, a man in his 50s experienced a severe loss of balance that initially appeared to be a stroke but was later diagnosed as a chikungunya neurological complication at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central.
The timely diagnosis of chikungunya neurological complication and intervention by the hospital’s neurology team led to a complete recovery within a week.
Chikungunya Neurological Complication Misdiagnosed as Stroke
The patient arrived at Wockhardt Hospitals after three days of imbalance and dizziness, unable to stand upright.
Although his blood pressure and blood sugar levels were stable, the sudden onset of symptoms prompted neurologist Dr Sheetal Goyal to conduct an MRI scan to rule out stroke.
The MRI revealed a rare white lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum – a structure that connects the two halves of the brain.
“This pattern is extremely rare,” said Dr. Goyal. “It can occur due to viral infections or metabolic disturbances, and early identification is key to ensuring full recovery.”
Chikungunya Neurological Complication: Early Diagnosis Confirms Chikungunya Virus as the Cause
While reviewing the patient’s medical history, Dr. Goyal discovered that he had a mild fever a few days before the imbalance began. Further diagnostic testing confirmed chikungunya infection, presenting unusually with only neurological symptoms and without the typical fever or joint pain associated with the virus.
Rapid Recovery After Steroid Therapy
The neurology team promptly began steroid therapy, leading to a remarkable turnaround. Within three days, the patient’s balance improved significantly, and in just a week, he had fully regained normal coordination.
“This case reminds us that not every episode of sudden imbalance or dizziness is a stroke,” Dr. Goyal emphasized. “Sometimes, even a viral infection like chikungunya can impact the brain – but with timely diagnosis and treatment, recovery is completely possible.”
This case underscores the importance of advanced neurological care and rapid diagnosis at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, where multidisciplinary expertise ensured that a potentially life-altering event became a story of full recovery.
