Paroxysmal Dysesthesia in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Summary Seven cases of multiple sclerosis with paroxysmal dysesthesias of an upper extremity were reported. This seizure characteristically is a purely sensory one induced by movements and is not accompanied by convulsions or a disorder of voluntary movements. In other ways it shares some features with other paroxysmal manifestations seen in MS. Clinical observations with subsequent neurophysiologic considerations have led to the hypothesis that paroxysmal dysesthesias are segmental symptoms with their foci lying in or about the spinal cord.

Chronic pruritus in multiple sclerosis and clinical correlates

“…This study reveals several noteworthy findings: first, MS patients exhibit a high prevalence of itch higher than previously reported including a recent retrospective analysis of medical records from MS patients, which found a prevalence of pruritus of 2–4.5%, respectively 11,12 . Second, itch in MS is paroxysmal, localized to the extremities, scalp, and face, and temporal in nature, consistent with previous case reports 4,6,7,15,16 . Third, MS patients with itch were more likely than MS patients without itch to endorse MS‐related comorbidities.…”

“…11,12 Second, itch in MS is paroxysmal, localized to the extremities, scalp, and face, and temporal in nature, consistent with previous case reports. 4,6,7,15,16 Third, MS patients with itch were more likely than MS patients without itch to endorse MS-related comorbidities. Fourth, MS patients with itch have a higher predilection for T2 hyperintense lesions in the posterior cervical spinal cord and anterior pons/ventromedial medulla, and there may exist correlations between the locations of itch and lesions found within these affected areas.…”

An Unusual Presentation of Multiple Sclerosis in a Middle-Aged Woman: A Case Report and Literature Review

“…Paroxysmal itching is one of the positive symptoms in patients with MS [ 2 ]. Paroxysmal itching as an early symptom of MS has been previously reported by Sakurai and Kanazawa [ 2 ], Yamamoto et al [ 3 ], Koeppel et al [ 4 ], Osterman [ 5 , 6 ], Yabuki and Hayabara [ 7 ], and Sandyuk [ 8 ]. The patients in these reports complained of pruritus on dermatomal patterns on the face and trunk.…”

“…Yabuki and Hayabara reported a case with pruritus on the face [7]. Sandyuk reported two cases of MS who developed itching after an experimental treatment with an external magnetic field [8].…”

“…Osterman reported two additional cases with pruritus on the upper extremities and back [ 6 ]. Yabuki and Hayabara reported a case with pruritus on the face [ 7 ]. Sandyuk reported two cases of MS who developed itching after an experimental treatment with an external magnetic field [ 8 ].…”