How Common Are Lesions To The Medulla Oblongata In MS?

Posted on Sat, 17 Aug 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 17 Aug 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : How common are lesions to the medulla oblongata in MS? When they do occur, how often are they fatal? I have read people sometimes die from them in MS. Any information regarding this is of interest to me

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Only in rare cases medulla oblongata lesions may result in death.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor " service.

I have read your query and here is my advice.

Lesions in medulla oblongata in MS patients may be found in up to 50% of MS confirmed cases.

Fortunately, only in rare sporadic cases, when a MS demyelinating lesion has affected the cardiac function center in the medula oblongata the result may be sudden death.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (20 minutes later)

Can anything be done to shrink, or remove lesions in that area?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Can be controlled in a certain degree.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Drugs used to treat MS such as corticosteroids, etc. control in a certain degree the inflammation associated with these lesions affecting this way the size.

These lesions also may disappear and new ones may be present as the disease follows its course.

Hope I helped you.

Feel free to ask if you have further questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D