Multiple sclerosis: a consideration in acute cranial nerve palsies.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to heighten the awareness of multiple sclerosis (MS) as a cause of multiple acute cranial nerve palsies.


METHODS
The authors report on a case with audiovestibular and facial nerve deficits as the manifesting symptoms of MS. A literature review of brain stem-presenting clinical features of MS was carried out using key words in a Medline search from 1969 through 1996. In addition, relevant articles from earlier reports were obtained.


CONCLUSIONS
Brain stem involvement occurs as the presenting feature of MS in up to 15% of cases. Prompt diagnosis and early treatment may reduce morbidity of this common neurologic condition, and a high index of suspicion needs to be maintained to avoid misdiagnosis.
Commins
D J
DJ
Department of Otolaryngology, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, University of Toronto, Canada.
Chen
J M
JM
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000473:pathology; D003711:Demyelinating Diseases / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D010243:Paralysis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014725:Vestibular Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000159:Vestibulocochlear Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D008775:Methylprednisolone