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Published on: February 28, 2021
Lead poisoning from complementary and alternative medicine in multiple sclerosis
1Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, The Canberra Hospital, Garran ACT 2605 Australia.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|October 14, 2000
Summary
Neurologists should consider lead poisoning from alternative medicine when patients present with neurological symptoms. Early diagnosis and oral chelation therapy can improve clinical signs, distinguishing it from multiple sclerosis progression.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Toxicology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease.
- Patients may seek complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for symptom management.
- Neurological symptoms can be multifactorial and sometimes misattributed to disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of neurological symptoms misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis progression.
- To highlight lead poisoning as a potential cause of neurological decline in patients using CAM.
- To emphasize the importance of inquiring about CAM use in neurological assessments.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a patient with multiple sclerosis.
- Diagnostic workup including toxicology screening for heavy metals.
- Treatment with oral chelation therapy.
Main Results:
- Patient presented with neurological symptoms attributed to MS exacerbation.
- Subsequent diagnosis revealed lead poisoning secondary to CAM use.
- Clinical signs improved significantly following oral chelation therapy.
Conclusions:
- Lead poisoning can mimic or exacerbate neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis.
- Clinicians must consider CAM use when evaluating neurological symptoms.
- Inquiring about CAM is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment in neurology patients.
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