Gerlier disease (kubisagari; le tourniquet; paralytic vertigo)

General: Cranial nerve dysfunction suggests a basal lesion such as epidemic paralyzed ver 555g67f tigo; infective agent suspected, small Gram-negative coccus from spinal fluid; contact with cows or horses in warm summer months in contaminated stables; pathology unknown; possible brainstem lesion.

Ocular: During attack: hyperemia of fundus oculi, fundus normal, and eyesight normal; between attacks: ptosis, dimness of vision, vertigo, and diplopia.

Clinical: Attack of palsies precipitated by severe exertion, bright light, warmth, hunger, or looking at a moving object (optokinetic irritation); attacks last approximately 10 minutes and may follow each other at very short intervals; mild form not incapacitating; severe form incapacitating; pains in back of neck; nodding of head during attack; hyperreflexia at intervals; attack of temporary palsy muscles, levator palpebrae superior, muscles of back of neck, extension limbs, face, pharynx, and larynx.

Gerlier E. Une Epidemie de Vertige Paralysant. Rev Med Suisse Romande 1887; 7:5-29.

Magalini SI, Scrascia E. Dictionary of Medical Syndromes. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: JB Lippincott, 1981.