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Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological condition that affects the central nervous system, leading to a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty walking, and problems with coordination. However, several other diseases share symptoms that mimic MS, making diagnosis a challenging task.
What the diseases can mimic multiple sclerosis? PatientsLikeMe will explore the 5 most commonly mistaken for MS, and highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis for effective treatment.
Neuromyelitis Optica
Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) , also known as Devic's disease, is a rare autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. Like MS, NMO can cause visual disturbances, limb weakness, and coordination problems.
Symptoms of Neuromyelitis Optica
These are possible symptoms of NMO:
- Pain in the eyes
- Loss of vision
- Weakness or numbness in the arms and legs
- Paralysis of the arms and legs
- Difficulty controlling the bladder or bowels
- Uncontrollable vomiting and hiccups
Treatment for Neuromyelitis Optica
Like MS, there is no cure for NMO. Treatment can help to ease symptoms, prevent future relapses, and slow down the disease's progression. PatientsLikeMe members have reported using Rituximab as their treatment.
Lyme Disease
Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted through tick bites, Lyme disease can manifest with neurological symptoms that mimic those of MS.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Patients may experience muscle weakness, numbness, and difficulty concentrating. PatientsLikeMe members with Lyme Disease have reported symptoms such as:
- Stabbing headaches
- Burning pain
- Mental fatigue or exhaustion
- Fatigue
- Muscle Pain
- Stress
- Muscle exhaustion
- Joint Pain
- Neck Pain
- Post exertional exhaustion
- Anxious mood
- Eye pain
- Depressed mood
- Pain in feet
- Bone Pain
- Skin Pain
- Decreased alcohol tolerance
Treatment for Lyme Disease
Checking for lyme disease requires a doctor to test your blood for antibodies. If diagnosed early, antibiotics can help treat symptoms fairly easily. PatientsLikeMe members with lyme disease have reported using doxycycline or ceftriaxone.
Lupus
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can affect various organs, including the nervous system.
Symptoms of Lupus (SLE)
Neurological symptoms such as headaches, cognitive dysfunction, and seizures may lead to confusion with MS. PatientsLikeMe members with Lupus have reported symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Chronic Fatigue
- Joint Paint
- Pain
- Stress
- Muscle Pain
- Inflamation
- Loss of balance
- Joint swelling
- Numbness in feet
- Headaches
- Photosensitivity (skin sensitivity to sun)
- Brain fog
- Depressed mood
- Anxious mood
- Loss of coordination
- Body hair loss
- Seizures
Treatment of Lupus (SLE)
Careful evaluation of clinical history, laboratory tests, and imaging studies is essential to make an accurate diagnosis. PatientsLikeMe members with lupus have reported taking hydroxchloroquine, belimumab, prednisone, methotrexate, or azathioprine.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
A deficiency in vitamin B12 is due to inadequate dietary intake or impaired absorption of Vitamin B12 resulting in megaloblastic anemia due to inhibition in red blood cell production.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Deficiency can lead to neurological symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and difficulty walking. These symptoms may be mistaken for MS. PatientsLikeMe members have reported symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Muscle Fatigue
- Forgetfulness
- Stress
- Pain
Treatment for Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Treating a vitamin B12 deficiency is fairly straightforward. Supplements, as well as a well-balanced diet, usually address symptoms fairly quickly.
PatientsLikeMe members with vitamin B12 deficiency have reported using treatments such as Vitamin B 12 prescription (cyanocobalamin) or Vitamin B12 injection (medivitan).
Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that can affect multiple organs, including the nervous system. It most commonly affects the lungs and lymph nodes, but can impact any organ in the body.
Neurosarcoidosis
Neurosarcoidosis can present with symptoms resembling those of MS, such as optic nerve inflammation and spinal cord involvement. It typically occurs in adults between 20 and 40 years old.
Symptoms of Sarcoidosis
PatientsLikeMe members with Sarcoidosis have reported feeling symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Stress
- Anxious mood
- Depressed mood
Treatment for Sarcoidosis
PatientsLikeMe members with Sarcoidosis have reported using Prednisone as a treatment.
Become An Empowered Patient
While multiple sclerosis is a well-known neurological condition, it is crucial to recognize that several other diseases can present with mimic ms symptoms. The complexity of these conditions show the importance of a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis.
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