Multiple sclerosis initially presenting as facial palsy.

A case of multiple sclerosis initially presenting as a facial palsy is presented. A 35-yr-old U.S. Air Force aviator developed a purely right-sided facial palsy with no sensory abnormalities. She had no other neurologic findings except for a barely perceptible loss of coordination in her right upper extremity. Subsequent brain MRI revealed multiple white matter lesions. Further history and laboratory analysis confirmed multiple sclerosis. This case underscores the potential for multiple sclerosis to mimic other more benign conditions and the need for clinicians to carefully examine patients presenting with new neurologic abnormalities. The diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis as well as military aviation policy regarding multiple sclerosis patients is discussed.