Paroxysmal Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis-A Review of the Literature

Joumana Freiha; Naji Riachi; Moussa A Chalah; Romy Zoghaib; Samar S Ayache; Rechdi Ahdab

doi:10.3390/jcm9103100

Paroxysmal Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis-A Review of the Literature

J Clin Med. 2020 Sep 25;9(10):3100. doi: 10.3390/jcm9103100.

Authors

Joumana Freiha^{1

2}, Naji Riachi^{1

2}, Moussa A Chalah^{3

4}, Romy Zoghaib^{1

2}, Samar S Ayache^{3

4}, Rechdi Ahdab^{1

2

5}

Affiliations

¹ Gilbert and Rose Mary Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos 4504, Lebanon.
² Neurology Department, Lebanese American University Medical Center Rizk Hospital, Beirut 113288, Lebanon.
³ Service de Physiologie-Explorations Fonctionnelles, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 51 avenue de Lattre de Tassigny, 94010 Créteil, France.
⁴ EA 4391, Excitabilité Nerveuse et Thérapeutique, Université Paris-Est-Créteil, 94010 Créteil, France.
⁵ Hamidy Medical Center, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon.

Abstract

Paroxysmal symptoms are well-recognized manifestations of multiple sclerosis (MS). These are characterized by multiple, brief, sudden onset, and stereotyped episodes. They manifest as motor, sensory, visual, brainstem, and autonomic symptoms. When occurring in the setting of an established MS, the diagnosis is relatively straightforward. Conversely, the diagnosis is significantly more challenging when they occur as the initial manifestation of MS. The aim of this review is to summarize the various forms of paroxysmal symptoms reported in MS, with emphasis on the clinical features, radiological findings and treatment options.

Keywords: ataxia; choreoathetosis; dysesthesia; dyskinesia; dystonia; multiple sclerosis; myokymia; paroxysmal symptoms; paroxysmal weakness; tourettism.

Publication types

Review