Differential Diagnosis of Suspected Multiple Sclerosis: Global Health Considerations Publisher Pubmed

Summary: How is MS diagnosed globally? Study urges tailored criteria for diverse regions’ MS diagnosis. #MultipleSclerosis #GlobalHealth

Correale J^{1, 2} ; Solomon AJ³ ; Cohen JA⁴ ; Banwell BL⁵ ; Gracia F⁶ ; Gyang TV⁸ ; De Bedoya FHD⁹ ; Harnegie MP¹⁰ ; Hemmer B¹¹ ; Jacob A¹² ; Kim HJ¹³ ; Marrie RA¹⁴ ; Mateen FJ¹⁵ ; Newsome SD¹⁶ Show All Authors
Source: The Lancet Neurology Published:2024

Abstract

The differential diagnosis of multiple sclerosis can present specific challenges in patients from Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, eastern Europe, southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific. In these areas, environmental factors, genetic background, and access to medical care can differ substantially from those in North America and western Europe, where multiple sclerosis is most common. Furthermore, multiple sclerosis diagnostic criteria have been developed primarily using data from North America and western Europe. Although some diagnoses mistaken for multiple sclerosis are common regardless of location, a comprehensive approach to the differential diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, eastern Europe, southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific regions requires special consideration of diseases that are prevalent in those locations. A collaborative effort has therefore assessed global differences in multiple sclerosis differential diagnoses and proposed recommendations for evaluating patients with suspected multiple sclerosis in regions beyond North America and western Europe. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd