A video of a neurologist has highlighted one of the key dangers of ignoring neurological symptoms after being scratched by a cat.
Dr Bing issued the reminder on his social media channel after encountering a teenage girl who suffered severe neurological complications from what appeared to be a minor injury.
The specialist revealed how the young patient arrived at the hospital with alarming symptoms that began after her family welcomed a new kitten into their home.
"There is one thing I don't do as a neurologist, and that is ignore neurological symptoms after a cat scratch," the doctor stated whilst recounting the unusual case on TikTok.
The adolescent presented with sudden mental disorientation, intense headaches and an inability to walk properly. Her condition had deteriorated rapidly over several days.
"Her parents noticed she'd been unusually tired and clumsy over the few days before they brought her to the hospital, which worsened before she could barely stand," Dr Bing explained.
Medical staff discovered additional concerning symptoms during their examination. The patient had experienced significant visual impairment in one eye.
Tests revealed inflammation affecting both the optic nerve and retina, accounting for the vision problems. The combination of neurological and ocular symptoms initially puzzled the medical team.
Medical professionals initially investigated more common neurological conditions. Stroke, meningitis and autoimmune disorders were systematically excluded through testing.
The breakthrough came when doctors observed scratches on the teenager's arm. Upon questioning, the family revealed their recent kitten adoption.
"It wasn't until we noticed a few scratches on her arm that we asked about any recent injuries or exposures," Dr Bing recounted. "That was when her mother mentioned they had recently adopted a kitten."
This crucial information prompted specific testing for Bartonella henselae, the bacterium responsible for cat scratch disease. Laboratory results confirmed the infection as the underlying cause of the teenager's severe symptoms.
The teenager responded well to antibiotic treatment and supportive medical care. Her neurological function and eyesight showed steady improvement following the diagnosis.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
GETTY
|Extreme reactions to cat scratches are uncommon
Whilst acknowledging the severity of this particular case, Dr Bing emphasised that such extreme reactions remain uncommon.
The majority of cat scratch disease cases present with milder symptoms, including enlarged lymph nodes, fever and tiredness.
"However, this does not mean cats are bad or you shouldn't own a cat. I think cats are wonderful companions and adoption is a great thing that I wholeheartedly encourage," the neurologist stressed.
He advised vigilance rather than avoidance, urging anyone experiencing persistent headaches, visual disturbances or mental confusion following animal contact to inform their doctor immediately.