Misdiagnosis of multiple sclerosis: Frequency, causes, effects, and prevention

Andrew J. Solomon; Brian G. Weinshenker

doi:10.1007/s11910-013-0403-y

Misdiagnosis of multiple sclerosis: Frequency, causes, effects, and prevention

Andrew J. Solomon, Brian G. Weinshenker

Neurology

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

56 Scopus citations

Abstract

A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is heavily influenced by clinical judgment. Misdiagnosis of multiple sclerosis is common and has important consequences for patients and the cost of healthcare. Although rigorous data about the frequency and causes of misdiagnosis are lacking, misinterpretation and misapplication of clinical and radiographic diagnostic criteria and terminology are likely important factors. Appropriate and stringent application of diagnostic criteria and continued vigilance for "red flags" suggesting alternative diagnoses are strategies critical for prevention of misdiagnosis.

Original language	English (US)
Article number	403
Journal	Current neurology and neuroscience reports
Volume	13
Issue number	12
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-013-0403-y
State	Published - Dec 2013

Keywords

Causes
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Criteria
Effects
Frequency
Medical error
Mimickers
Misdiagnosis
Multiple sclerosis
Prevention

ASJC Scopus subject areas

General Neuroscience
Clinical Neurology

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10.1007/s11910-013-0403-y

Cite this

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abstract = "A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is heavily influenced by clinical judgment. Misdiagnosis of multiple sclerosis is common and has important consequences for patients and the cost of healthcare. Although rigorous data about the frequency and causes of misdiagnosis are lacking, misinterpretation and misapplication of clinical and radiographic diagnostic criteria and terminology are likely important factors. Appropriate and stringent application of diagnostic criteria and continued vigilance for {"}red flags{"} suggesting alternative diagnoses are strategies critical for prevention of misdiagnosis.",

keywords = "Causes, Diagnosis, Diagnostic Criteria, Effects, Frequency, Medical error, Mimickers, Misdiagnosis, Multiple sclerosis, Prevention",

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note = "Funding Information: Conflict of Interest Andrew J. Solomon declares that he has no conflict of interest. Brian G. Weinshenker has been a consultant for GSK Pharmaceuticals, Chord Pharmaceuticals, Ono Pharmaceuticals, Guthy Jackson Charitable Foundation; he has received grant support from Guthy Jackson Charitable Foundation; he has received patents (planned, pending, or issued) for AQP4 antibodies for diagnosis of NMO; and he has received royalties from RSR Ltd. for AQP4 antibodies for diagnosis of NMO.",

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PY - 2013/12

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N2 - A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is heavily influenced by clinical judgment. Misdiagnosis of multiple sclerosis is common and has important consequences for patients and the cost of healthcare. Although rigorous data about the frequency and causes of misdiagnosis are lacking, misinterpretation and misapplication of clinical and radiographic diagnostic criteria and terminology are likely important factors. Appropriate and stringent application of diagnostic criteria and continued vigilance for "red flags" suggesting alternative diagnoses are strategies critical for prevention of misdiagnosis.

AB - A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is heavily influenced by clinical judgment. Misdiagnosis of multiple sclerosis is common and has important consequences for patients and the cost of healthcare. Although rigorous data about the frequency and causes of misdiagnosis are lacking, misinterpretation and misapplication of clinical and radiographic diagnostic criteria and terminology are likely important factors. Appropriate and stringent application of diagnostic criteria and continued vigilance for "red flags" suggesting alternative diagnoses are strategies critical for prevention of misdiagnosis.

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KW - Diagnostic Criteria

KW - Effects

KW - Frequency

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KW - Prevention

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Misdiagnosis of multiple sclerosis: Frequency, causes, effects, and prevention

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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