Elsberg syndrome secondary to eosinophilic meningitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis is uncommon. Clinicians should consider a wide differential diagnosis including tumour, spinal cord infarction, necrosis, vasculitis, drug induced or other sources of infection. In addition, acute urinary retention is a urological emergency and clinicians should keep in mind the prevention of bladder overdistension. The intervention of rehabilitation programmes and clean intermittent catheterisation education for bladder management, in accordance with the patient's condition, is also important. Earlier rehabilitation is important to ensure a speedy recovery and to prevent further complications.