Multiple sclerosis (MS): paroxysmal attacks
Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .
Multiple sclerosis (MS): paroxysmal attacks. These are multiple, brief, neurological symptoms. They are sudden onset. Fully referenced neurology checklist.
Definition
- These are multiple, brief, neurological symptoms
- They are sudden onset
- They are stereotyped
- They last seconds to minutes
- They may predict MS relapses
- They are typically seen in relapsing MS but they may appear in progressive MS
- They may be the first presentations of MS
Movement disorders
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Ophthalmic symptoms
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Other neurological symptoms
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Systemic symptoms
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Triggers
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Differential diagnoses
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Treatment
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References
- Freiha J, Riachi N, Chalah MA, Zoghaib R, Ayache SS, Ahdab R. Paroxysmal symptoms in multiple sclerosis-a review of the literature. J Clin Med 2020; 9:3100.
- Twomey JA, Espir ML. Paroxysmal symptoms as the first manifestations of multiple sclerosis. JNNP 1980; 43:296-304.
- Zhang Y, Fan S, Han F, Xu Y. Paroxysmal symptoms as the first manifestation of multiple sclerosis mimicking a transient ischemic attack: a report of two cases. Front Neurol 2017; 8:585.
- Iorio R, Capone F, Plantone D, Batocchi AP. Paroxysmal ataxia and dysarthria in multiple sclerosis. J Clin Neurosci 2014; 21:174-175.
- Shah S, Klassen BT, Flanagan EP. Teaching Video NeuroImages: paroxysmal dysarthria-ataxia in multiple sclerosis. Neurology 2021; 96:e2245-e2246.
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Related checklists
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): classification
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): revised McDonald diagnostic criteria
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): non-modifiable risk factors
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): modifiable risk factors
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): protective factors
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): typical neurological features
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): other neurological features
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): systemic features
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): seizures
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): differential diagnosis
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): clinical red flags against diagnosis
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): laboratory red flags against diagnosis
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): poor prognostic factors
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): smouldering associated worsening
