The differential diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Rolak
Loren A
LA
Marshfield Multiple Sclerosis Center, Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield, Wisconsin 54449, USA. rolak.loren@marshfieldclinic.org
Fleming
John O
JO
D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests