Tumefactive multiple sclerosis (MS), also known as Balo’s concentric sclerosis or Balo’s disease, is a rare form of MS with symptoms resembling those of a brain tumor. Less than 1 percent of all MS cases are diagnosed as tumefactive MS.
Tumefactive MS typically appears as one or more large brain masses, or lesions, in imaging studies. Such symptoms are not associated with other forms of MS; as such, tumefactive MS is frequently misdiagnosed. As with many rare diseases, the direct cause of tumefactive MS is not known or understood.
Symptoms of Tumefactive Multiple Sclerosis
Tumefactive MS symptoms are very different from the most common forms of MS. Typical MS symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Numbness
- Dizziness
- Difficulty walking
- Changes in vision
- Bladder and bowel problems
- Sexual problems
- Pain
Additional physical symptoms of tumefactive MS can include:
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Weakness
- Balancing problems
- Muscle spasms
Moreover, people with tumefactive MS may experience cognitive impairments including:
- Confusion and memory issues
- Difficulty learning new concepts
- Aphasia, or difficulty understanding and forming speech
- Apraxia, or difficulty making the movements needed for speech
How Is Tumefactive Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosed?
Tumefactive MS is diagnosed in several ways. A doctor will first order a medical history and a neurological exam. Additional tests then may be performed to detect unusual growths; damage to the brain, nerve, spinal cord, or brain stem; or the presence of inflammatory diseases or infections. These tests can also rule out other conditions.
These tests may include:
- MRI scans of the brain or spinal cord
- Biopsies of brain lesions
- Blood tests
- Nerve-function tests
- Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid from a spinal tap
- Evoked potential testing, a diagnostic tool that measures how long it takes for one’s nerves to respond to stimulation
Because tumefactive MS presents atypical symptoms, it’s often misdiagnosed for other conditions including:
- Brain tumors
- Brain cancers
- Brain abscesses
- Tuberculoma
- Other disorders of the central nervous system, such as Sjögren’s syndrome or sarcoidosis
For this reason, people with tumefactive MS may be repeatedly misdiagnosed, leading to a delay in treatment.
“To Read this article in its entirety click this link: Understanding Tumefactive Multiple Sclerosis.”