Related Experiment Videos
Movement disorders in multiple sclerosis
C Tranchant1, K P Bhatia, C D Marsden
1University Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurology, London, UK.
Abstract:
Movement disorders (MD), other than tremor, associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) occur infrequently. We report 14 new cases of whom nine had dystonia, three parkinsonism, and two had myoclonus. We also reviewed 135 such cases from the literature. From an analysis of the individual MDs and the site of the lesions described, we conclude that paroxysmal dystonias (tonic spasms), ballism/chorea, and palatal myoclonus can be caused by demyelinating lesions. Parkinsonism, dystonia, and other types of myoclonus, however, often appear to be coincidental.
Insights
Movement disorders like dystonia and myoclonus are infrequent in multiple sclerosis (MS). Demyelinating lesions can cause specific movement disorders, but others may be coincidental.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Movement disorders (MD), excluding tremor, are uncommon in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Understanding the relationship between MS lesions and specific MDs is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between demyelinating lesions in MS and various movement disorders.
- To differentiate MDs caused by MS lesions from those occurring coincidentally.
Main Methods:
- Case series analysis of 14 new patients with MS-associated movement disorders.
- Literature review of 135 previously reported cases.
- Correlation of specific movement disorder types with the location of demyelinating lesions.
Main Results:
- Nine patients presented with dystonia, three with parkinsonism, and two with myoclonus.
- Paroxysmal dystonias, ballism/chorea, and palatal myoclonus were linked to demyelinating lesions.
- Parkinsonism, other dystonias, and myoclonus types frequently appeared coincidental.
Conclusions:
- Demyelinating lesions in MS can directly cause certain movement disorders, including paroxysmal dystonias and chorea.
- Other movement disorders, such as parkinsonism, may not be directly caused by MS lesions.
- Distinguishing lesion-related MDs from coincidental ones is important in MS patient care.