Conditions that mimic MS.
Autoimmune or Rheumatologic Disorders:
1. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) – Neurological symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and sensory loss caused by small vessel inflammation or autoantibodies, often without MRI findings.
2. Sjogren’s Syndrome – Presents with peripheral neuropathy, cognitive issues, and fatigue, typically without CNS involvement on MRI.
Metabolic Disorders:
1. Vitamin B12 Deficiency – Causes numbness, weakness, balance issues, and fatigue. Early stages may not show any changes on MRI.
2. Hypothyroidism – Associated with fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, weakness, and peripheral neuropathy, all with a normal MRI.
Peripheral Nervous System Disorders:
1. Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) – Mimics MS with weakness and sensory loss, but it affects peripheral nerves, not the CNS.
2. Small Fiber Neuropathy – Results in burning pain, numbness, and sensory disturbances without CNS lesions.
Functional and Psychiatric Disorders:
1. Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) – Mimics MS with motor, sensory, and cognitive symptoms but shows no structural abnormalities on MRI.
2. Conversion Disorder – Sudden-onset weakness, numbness, or other neurological symptoms without detectable CNS lesions.
Other Conditions:
1. Migraine with Aura – Can cause temporary neurological symptoms such as numbness, weakness, or visual changes without any MRI findings.
2. Fibromyalgia – Causes chronic pain, fatigue, cognitive issues (“fibro fog”), and sensory symptoms often misinterpreted as MS.
3. Post-viral Syndrome/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) – Fatigue, muscle weakness, and cognitive difficulties, typically without MRI abnormalities.