Multiple sclerosis mimicking a lateral medullary stroke – Wallenberg syndrome presentation
March 31, 2010
| Abstract Title: | Multiple sclerosis mimicking a lateral medullary stroke – Wallenberg syndrome presentation |
| Authors: | Pavel Dan Nanu1, Sanda Maria Deme1, Ramona Chenderes2 |
| Affiliation: | 1 Neurology Department, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania 2 Psychiatry Department, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania |
| Abstract text: | Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) first described in 1868 by Jean-Martin Charcot is a disease in which the fatty myelin sheaths around the axons of the brain and spinal cord are damaged, leading to demyelization and scarring as well as a broad spectrum of signs and symptoms. Disease onset usually occurs in young adults, and it is more common in females. It has a prevalence that ranges between 2 and 150 per 100,000. Case presentation: We describe a patient presenting with the rapid onset of incomplete Wallenberg syndrome (WS) as the initial clinical manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS). This patient was initially diagnosed with acute ischemic lateral medullary syndrome, but further assessment led to the diagnosis of definite MS. Our report aims to highlight the importance of awareness of MS as a cause of WS, as well as the potential misdiagnosis of MS as stroke. Discussions: Multiple sclerosis may present with any neurological symptoms or signs, that may be brutally installed in an apparently healthy person, mimicking a stroke, including changes in sensation, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, or difficulty in moving; ataxia; dysphagia, visual problems, fatigue, acute or chronic pain, and bladder difficulties. Conclusion: Multiple sclerosis diagnosis is a tricky challenge even for a well-trained neurologist. The quick diagnosis, a rapid clinical approach to the MS subject grants the best quality of life for MS subjects. MS should be suspected in any subject below the age of 50, mainly in women, and should be well differentiated from a cerebral stroke. |
| Keywords: | MS, demyelization, stroke |
| Presentation type: | Oral |
| Correspondence: | Neurology Clinic, no. 1-3 Spitalului Sq., Arad, Romania |
| Email: | pavelnanu@yahoo.com |
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