By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Former Buffalo Mayor Anthony Masiello has been hospitalized. Masiello is being treated a Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital for Miller Fisher syndrome. It is a rare nerve disease.
"The Mayor is in good hands and is resting comfortably. We expect him to be back on his feet and hitting jump shots in his back yard very shortly," said Michael P. Hughes, spokesman for Kaleida Health.
Kaleida says Miller Fisher is considered to be a variant of Guillain-Barr syndrome. According to the National Association of Neurologic Disorders, it is characterized by abnormal muscle coordination, potential paralysis of the eye muscles and absence of the tendon reflexes.
The symptoms of Miller Fisher may be preceded by a viral illness. Kaleida says the prognosis for individuals with Miller Fisher syndrome is good. In most cases, recovery begins within two to four weeks of the onset of symptoms, and may be almost complete within six months.
Masiello was admitted last Thursday and is expected to be discharged in the coming days.