The Differential Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis
Abstract
Objective This article will discuss the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), with particular attention to differentiating it from other diseases that can mimic it. Methods We reviewed our own data, as well as the published experience on the differential diagnosis of MS and the most common errors leading to misdiagnosis. Results Psychiatric diseases are mistaken for multiple sclerosis more often than any other conditions. Other multifocal illnesses or white-matter diseases are seldom confused with multiple sclerosis. Conclusion Neurologists are most likely to misdiagnose multiple sclerosis in patients who have psychiatric problems or who have uncommon presentations of common diseases such as migraine, stroke, or neuropathies.
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In an American tertiary MS center from 2004 to 2007, the most common diagnosis was 'psychiatric disease' in 53 out of 70 (76%) patients who had been referred for MS evaluation but did not have MS.
“In an American tertiary MS center from 2004 to 2007, the most common diagnosis was “psychiatric disease” in 53 out of 70 (76%) patients who had been referred for MS evaluation but did not have MS [24].”
From Functional neurological disorder and multiple sclerosis: a systematic review of misdiagnosis and clinical overlap (2022) · cites this paper as [24]
Cites
Slater revisited: 6 year follow up study of patients with medically unexplained motor symptoms
Crimlisk, H. L., Bhatia, K., Cope, H., David, A., Marsden, C. D., & Ron, M. A. (1998) · BMJ · doi:10.1136/bmj.316.7131.582 · Cited by 328 · see citing works
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Walzl, D., Solomon, A. J., & Stone, J. (2022) · Journal of Neurology · doi:10.1007/s00415-021-10436-6 · Cited by 62 · see citing works
- Authors
- Rolak, L. A., & Fleming, J. O.
- Affiliations
- Marshfield Clinic (US)
- University of Wisconsin–Madison (US)
- Corresponding author
- Rolak, Loren A.
- Venue
- The Neurologist
- Published
- 2007-03
- Volume
- 13
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 57-72
- ISSN
- 1074-7931 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2136221887
- Cited by
- 81
- References
- 1
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 1 · 2018: 5 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 5 · 2015: 6 · 2014: 7 · 2013: 9 · 2012: 5
- FWCI
- 3.30
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- The Neurologist (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pathology and Forensic Medicine › Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Family Practice › Clinical Reasoning and Diagnostic Skills
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Neurology › Peripheral Neuropathies and Disorders
- Keywords
- multiple sclerosis, differential diagnosis, misdiagnosis, mental illness, white matter disease, migraine, stroke, neuropathy, atypical presentation
- MeSH terms
- Mental Disorders, Central Nervous System, Diagnosis, Differential, Diagnostic Errors, Encephalitis, False Positive Reactions, Humans, Multiple Sclerosis, Physician-Patient Relations, Predictive Value of Tests
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