Short communication: Cerebral Malaria Complicated by Blindness, Deafness and Extrapyramidal Tract Manifestation

Abstract

Cerebral malaria is a severe manifestation of a parasitic infection caused by Plasmodium falciparum. The sequelae of this disease such as blindness, deafness, loss of motor function could be emotionally traumatic and physically disabling. We, therefore, present this case of an 8‑year‑old boy who presented with high‑grade intermittent fever associated with multiple convulsions and prolonged coma. He regained consciousness after 12 days of treatment with intravenous quinine but was found to have blindness, sensory‑neural deafness and extrapyramidal sign. This extrapyramidal sign regressed following treatment with chlorpromazine. He also regained his sight and auditory function before he was discharged though not completely. This report is aimed at emphasizing these rare complications of cerebral malaria as well as reminding clinicians working in malaria endemic areas of the world on the need for early diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Keywords: Blindness, Cerebral malaria, Coma