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[Gustatory disorders during multiple sclerosis relapse]
I Benatru1, P Terraux, A Cherasse
1Service de Neurologie, CHU de Dijon.
Revue Neurologique
|April 19, 2003
Summary
Transient gustatory dysfunction, including ageusia, can be an early symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses. These taste disorders often resolve with remission or steroid treatment, indicating demyelination.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Gustatory dysfunction is an uncommon neurological symptom associated with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- It can manifest during both chronic progressive and relapse phases of MS.
Observation:
- This study reports on five patients with clinically definite MS experiencing transient gustatory disorders during relapse.
- Ageusia (loss of taste) was an initial symptom in three patients, unmasking their MS diagnosis.
Findings:
- The gustatory disorders were transient and linked to the relapse phase of MS.
- Symptoms improved with disease remission or corticosteroid therapy.
- Pathology is attributed to demyelinating lesions in the brainstem or thalamus affecting gustatory pathways.
Implications:
- Transient gustatory dysfunction, particularly ageusia, can be an early indicator of MS relapse.
- Understanding these symptoms aids in MS diagnosis and management.
- Associated olfactory dysfunction may result from demyelination in olfactory pathways.
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