The patient was in his usual state of health until the first week in July, 5 weeks
before admission, when fevers led to body temperatures up to 39.4°C and neck
stiffness developed. He saw his primary care physician, who noted thrombocytopenia;
a viral illness was diagnosed, and antibiotics were administered. The fevers
resolved within 5 days after they started, and the platelet count returned to normal
within 2 weeks. However, the discomfort in his neck gradually worsened. One
week before admission, numbness of the right hand developed, followed by weakness
of the right hand and neck during the next 3 days.