A Case Report of Parkinsonism Following Dengue Infection

Abstract

Dengue fever is one of the most common viral infections found in tropical countries. Parkinsonism, a complication of dengue fever, is relatively new, and only a handful of cases have been documented. A 32-year-old female developed tremors and bradykinesia on the left side of her body 1 day after discharge following dengue fever. Alternative etiologies were excluded by imaging and laboratory testing. A week-long regimen of levodopa 100 mg three times a day (TID) resulted in a marked improvement in her symptoms. Neurological complications such as parkinsonism are uncommon in dengue virus infections. Current theories suggest that neurotropic invasion through the brain or immune-mediated mechanisms are responsible. This report represents Indonesia’s first account of parkinsonism following dengue infection. Such cases are valuable for expanding the list of neurological complications.