Multiple Sclerosis: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
Which of the following is one of the most common initial clinical symptoms in multiple sclerosis?
A. Vertigo
B. Extreme weakness
C. Depression
D. Arthralgias
E. Optic neuritis
Answer and topic summary
The answer is E. Optic neuritis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. There are many types of MS patterns. Clinical features suggestive of MS include sensory loss in limbs or one side of the face, gait/balance issues, heat sensitivity (Uhthoff), fatigue, and Lhermitte sign. The most common presenting symptom is optic neuritis.
MRI of the brain (+/- spinal cord) is the diagnostic test of choice. The McDonald diagnostic criteria can be used to help make the diagnosis of MS. Treatment of MS includes disease-modifying pharmacotherapy, such as glatiramer acetate (Copaxone), dimethyl fumarate, natalizumab (Tysabri), interferons, and many more. Acute exacerbations of MS are managed with short-term, high-dose glucocorticoids.
View blueprint lesson
Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:
Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Neurology ⇒ ⇒
Also covered as part of the Internal Medicine EOR topic list
