[Multiple sclerosis disclosed by spinal anesthesia]

A case is reported of an acute onset of previously undiagnosed multiple sclerosis, revealed by an oculomotor paralysis following spinal anaesthesia performed for minor orthopaedic surgery. The need for a complete preoperative physical examination is underlined by this case, looking for latent neuromuscular disorders before undertaking such techniques, and for a thorough neurological work-up should such a complication arise. The harmlessness of regional anaesthesia in multiple sclerosis patients is controversial; without entering into such a debate, the direct relationship between spinal anaesthesia and acute exacerbation of the disease in our patient seemed more than likely.