Abstract
Brainstem syndromes are a common initial presentation of multiple sclerosis. Classic syndromes include internuclear ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and trigeminal neuralgia. While MRI findings of typical MS lesions in the supratentorial white matter or spinal cord can quickly distinguish demyelinating disease from other pathologies, the MRI pattern of brainstem lesions can sometimes be concerning for alternate diagnoses. These would include infections, stroke, and tumors. This chapter describes two pediatric patients presenting with acute brainstem symptoms, both of whom were subsequently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. An initial attack of brainstem symptoms in MS may predict a more aggressive disease course, and initiation of disease-modifying therapy with close follow-up is important in such patients.
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Hong, W., Francisco, C., Lotze, T.E. (2017). Multiple Sclerosis with Brainstem Presentation. In: Waubant, E., Lotze, T. (eds) Pediatric Demyelinating Diseases of the Central Nervous System and Their Mimics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-61407-6_23
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-61407-6_23
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