A man in his 50s arrived at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central after experiencing three days of severe imbalance. He was unable to stand upright and described feeling as though the ground was shifting beneath his feet. At first glance, the symptoms suggested a classic stroke. However, further investigation revealed a far rarer and completely reversible condition.
Precise Evaluation and Diagnosis
Consultant Neurologist Dr. Sheetal Goyal led the clinical evaluation. The patient’s blood pressure and blood sugar levels were well controlled, but his sudden loss of balance raised concern. To rule out a stroke, doctors performed an MRI scan, which revealed a distinct white lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum—the area connecting the two hemispheres of the brain.
“This pattern is extremely rare,” explained Dr. Goyal. “It can appear in certain viral infections or metabolic disturbances, and early detection is essential for full recovery.”
A Crucial Clue in Medical History
Upon reviewing the patient’s history, Dr. Goyal noticed a small yet significant detail — a mild fever lasting only a day or two, a few days before the imbalance began. This finding prompted further tests, which confirmed chikungunya infection. Interestingly, the patient showed only neurological symptoms, with none of the typical chikungunya signs such as joint pain or body aches.
Swift Treatment and Rapid Recovery
Recognizing the rare neurological manifestation, the neurology team promptly started steroid therapy. Within three days, the patient began showing remarkable improvement, and by the end of a week, his balance and coordination had completely returned to normal.
A Reminder for Clinicians and Patients Alike
As per the press release, “This case reminds us that not every episode of sudden imbalance or dizziness is a stroke,” said Dr. Goyal. “Sometimes, a simple viral infection can affect the brain—but with timely diagnosis and treatment, recovery can be complete.”
Turning a Crisis into Recovery
What initially appeared to be a life-altering neurological emergency transformed into a story of complete recovery, thanks to quick clinical reasoning, precise diagnosis, and expert multidisciplinary care at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central.