Acute verbal dyspraxia, a rare presentation in multiple sclerosis: a case report with MRI localization

Mult Scler. 2003 Dec;9(6):630-2. doi: 10.1191/1352458503ms959cr.

Abstract

Cortical speech disorders rarely occur in multiple sclerosis (MS). We report a patient with relapsing-remitting MS, who presented with acute verbal dyspraxia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated an acute T2/Flair hyperintense, primarily white matter lesion underlying the middle third of the inferior frontal gyrus. The verbal dyspraxia cleared beginning 48 hours after the initiation of iv dexamethasone. Follow-up MRI demonstrated qualitative and quantitative diminution of the hyperintensity. This is the first report of a clinically definite MS patient with acute verbal dyspraxia. Moreover, there was a suggestive localization of verbal praxis to Brodmann areas 44/45.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Apraxias / drug therapy
  • Apraxias / etiology*
  • Apraxias / pathology*
  • Brain / pathology
  • Dexamethasone / therapeutic use
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / complications*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / pathology*

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Dexamethasone