Hypothalamic abnormalities and Parkinsonismassociated with H1N1 influenza infection.

Objective: To describe a case of a young adult with severe H1N1 influenza illness associated with hypothalamic abnormalities and post-influenza parkinsonism. Design: Case report. Patient: A 22-year-old woman with H1N1 influenza infection developed encephalopathy followed by diverse hypothalamic dysfunction manifestations, sleeplessness, and persistent parkinsonian features. Results: CSF analysis, brain imaging and EEG ruled out hypoxic brain injury or other illnesses. Conclusions: A number of viruses have been associated with both acute and chronic parkinsonism. A link between parkinsonism and influenza viruses is somewhat controversial. This is the first reported case of parkinsonism following an H1N1 influenza infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]