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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
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Portable Thermographic Screening for Detection of Acute Wallenberg's Syndrome
Published on: September 19, 2019
Wallenberg syndrome caused by multiple sclerosis mimicking stroke.
Wei Qiu1, Jing-Shan Wu, William M Carroll
1Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) can rapidly cause Wallenberg syndrome (WS), mimicking a stroke. Early recognition of MS is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate treatment for this neurological condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimmunology
Background:
- Wallenberg syndrome (WS), or lateral medullary syndrome, is typically associated with cerebrovascular events like stroke.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
Observation:
- A patient presented with acute, incomplete Wallenberg syndrome as the first clinical sign.
- Initial diagnosis considered acute ischemic lateral medullary syndrome (stroke).
Findings:
- Further diagnostic evaluation confirmed definite multiple sclerosis (MS) as the underlying cause of the WS presentation.
- This case highlights MS as a potential mimic of stroke in the context of Wallenberg syndrome.
Implications:
- Increased clinical awareness of MS presenting as WS is essential for accurate diagnosis.
- Distinguishing MS from stroke in such cases is critical to prevent misdiagnosis and guide appropriate management strategies.
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