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[Paroxysmic anarthria in multiple sclerosis]
A Arjona1, E Fernández-Romero, R Espino
1Neurólogo, Hospital Cruz Roja Española, Córdoba, España. arjona@teleline.es
Revista De Neurologia
|March 14, 2000
Summary
A man experienced brief episodes of complete inability to speak, diagnosed as paroxysmal anarthria, a form of paroxysmal dysarthria in multiple sclerosis (MS). This rare symptom resolved spontaneously within a week.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) presents with diverse paroxysmal symptoms, including ataxia and dysarthria.
- Understanding these transient neurological events is crucial for accurate MS diagnosis and management.
Observation:
- A 30-year-old male presented with recurrent, brief episodes of complete speechlessness, often triggered by social situations.
- These episodes resolved spontaneously within seven days without intervention.
- MRI revealed characteristic MS lesions in the cerebellum, pons, temporal lobe, and internal capsules.
Findings:
- The patient's symptom was identified as paroxysmal anarthria, a specific type of paroxysmal dysarthria.
- Evoked potential studies indicated slowed nerve conduction in sensory and auditory pathways.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed mild lymphocytic pleocytosis, consistent with MS.
Implications:
- Paroxysmal anarthria should be considered in the differential diagnosis of speech disturbances in MS.
- Distinguishing this symptom from epileptic seizures is essential for appropriate patient care.
- This case highlights the varied and sometimes unusual presentations of multiple sclerosis.