Objective: To describe the early presentation of multiple sclerosis in a chiropractic patient.
Clinical Features: A 42-year-old female sought care for complaints of neck pain and left ankle pain with radiation and numbness. The complaints were constant, with no alleviating factors, and no history of injury or trauma.
Intervention and Outcome: Due to the unexplained etiology in multiple regions, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was ordered. MRI revealed a lower cervical cord lesion that suggested acute demyelinating plaque; therefore, we referred her referral to a neurologist. After further MRI imaging of the cervical spine and brain, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Conclusion: Clinicians must be familiar with the wide range of conditions that can lead to neuropathic pain, numbness, or tingling. Thorough history and examination are necessary to ensure patients receive the most appropriate treatment available, especially for a condition like multiple sclerosis where timely diagnosis and referral are of utmost importance.
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