Disclosing a misdiagnosis of multiple sclerosis: do no harm?

Abstract

The difficulty of diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS) has been well documented. However, recent data also suggests that neurologists frequently encounter the clinical challenge of having to undo a misdiagnosis of MS. Undiagnosing MS has important clinical, psychosocial, and economic consequences for the patient, the treating neurologist, and the healthcare system at large. This article presents a case of misdiagnosed MS and discusses ethical challenges and obligations for the neurologist.