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A true isolated cognitive relapse in multiple sclerosis

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Abstract

Isolated cognitive relapses (ICRs) have been a matter of debate for the past few years. Currently, there is no clear consensus on such an entity, as cognitive decline usually accompanies typical multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses. Herein, we present the neuropsychological and neurophysiological manifestations of a patient who suddenly complained of confusion and memory loss, showing insight into her deficit, in absence of sensorimotor disturbances. Neuroimaging revealed a large tumefactive gadolinium-enhancing lesion localized in the left medial temporal lobe. The patient’s symptoms persisted for months afterwards, despite corticosteroid treatment. We believe our patient experienced a true ICR. ICRs are rare entities in MS, but we should be alert to their existence in order to treat them promptly. Deepening their pathophysiology is equally important and neuropsychology combined with neurophysiology may be useful in this regard.

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Data are available for any authorized researcher upon formal request to the corresponding author.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology and Neurobiology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy

    Valeria Pozzilli, Alessandro Cruciani, Fioravante Capone, Francesco Motolese, Mariagrazia Rossi, Fabio Pilato & Vincenzo Di Lazzaro

  2. Unit of Neurology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy

    Assunta Bianco, Massimiliano Mirabella & Guido Maria Giuffré

  3. Department of Neurosciences, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy

    Luigi Fausto Calabria

Authors
  1. Valeria Pozzilli
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  2. Alessandro Cruciani
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  3. Fioravante Capone
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  4. Francesco Motolese
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  5. Mariagrazia Rossi
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  6. Fabio Pilato
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  7. Assunta Bianco
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  8. Massimiliano Mirabella
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  9. Guido Maria Giuffré
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  10. Luigi Fausto Calabria
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  11. Vincenzo Di Lazzaro
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Valeria Pozzilli.

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The study was performed in accordance with the ethical standards of the Declaration of Helsinki.

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Informed consent was obtained from the patient.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Pozzilli, V., Cruciani, A., Capone, F. et al. A true isolated cognitive relapse in multiple sclerosis. Neurol Sci 44, 339–342 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-022-06441-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-022-06441-w

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