Diagnosis of Cervical Spinal Cord Multiple Sclerosis by a Chiropractic Physician: A Case Report

TL;DR

A chiropractic physician diagnosed cervical spinal cord multiple sclerosis in a patient with long-term symptoms, highlighting the need for advanced imaging in such cases.

Contribution

This case report adds a rare example of multiple sclerosis diagnosis by a chiropractic physician to the medical literature.

Findings

MRI confirmed cervical spinal cord multiple sclerosis in a 30-year-old male with undiagnosed symptoms.

The patient managed his condition with medications over a 10-year follow-up without disability.

The case emphasizes the importance of considering neurological disorders and advanced imaging for unexplained motor deficits.

Abstract

We present a case report of diagnosis of cervical spine multiple sclerosis by a chiropractic physician. This unique case contributes an account of a challenging differential diagnosis to the literature. A 30-year-old male presented with a three-year history of diffuse left upper extremity motor strength deficits and paresthesia (numbness and tingling). The patient had seen multiple physicians for these symptoms with no diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and no advanced imaging. The differential diagnosis included lower cervical spine nerve root compression or neurological disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cerebral lesion, motor neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord lesion. MRI of the cervical spine with and without IV contrast revealed evidence of spinal cord multiple sclerosis. The patient was referred to a neurologist where the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis was confirmed. A 10-year follow-up showed the patient was controlling his condition with medications and had no disability. This case underscores the importance for physicians to consider neurological conditions and advanced imaging in the presence of diffuse motor strength deficits and paresthesia in the absence of injury, pain, or any other symptoms.

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