False Diagnosis in Multiple Sclerosis Publisher

Summary: Can MS be misdiagnosed? A study found nearly 10% of patients were wrongly diagnosed prior to MS confirmation, often due to vague symptoms. What does this mean for accurate diagnosis? #MultipleSclerosis #Misdiagnosis

Khorvash F¹ ; Asadi P² ; Norouzi R¹ ; Maghzi AH³ ; Salari M⁴ ; Sonbolestan A⁵ ; Askari G⁶
Source: Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences Published:2013

Abstract

Background and Objective: The main problem in approach to patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is the extreme variability in their signs, symptoms, and the course of the disease. The aim of this study was to recognize the disorders that can be diagnosed wrongly instead of MS. Methodology: In a one-year prospective study, in MS clinic of Alzahra hospital, Isfahan, Iran, patients with definite MS diagnosis were asked about the signs of other diagnoses which were made instead of MS, from the first presentations of their illness. Results: Among the 310 patients who were included in the study, 30 patients (9.67%) were diagnosed wrongly before the definite diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. The majority of false diagnoses were made in patients with presentation of paresthesia (23.3%) and vertigo (20%). Conclusion: Multiple Sclerosis may be neglected especially when patients present with non-specific complaints.