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Seasonal variation of multiple sclerosis exacerbations in Japan

G Ogawa1, H Mochizuki, M Kanzaki

  • 1Third Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, 3-2, Namiki, 359-8513, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan.

Neurological Sciences : Official Journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology
|February 10, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Multiple sclerosis (MS) attacks show seasonal variation in Japan, occurring more frequently during the hottest and coldest months. Summer heat in warmer regions may increase the risk of MS exacerbations.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Environmental Medicine
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Previous studies indicated seasonal variations in multiple sclerosis (MS) attacks in Europe and the US, with some suggesting higher frequencies in winter or spring.
  • The seasonal patterns of MS exacerbations in Japan have not been extensively investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential seasonal variation in the frequency of multiple sclerosis (MS) attacks among patients in Japan.
  • To determine if environmental factors, such as temperature, correlate with MS exacerbation occurrence.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 172 MS exacerbations from 34 MS patients in Japan.
  • Categorization of attacks into opticospinal and brain types.
  • Grouping of months based on average monthly temperature to assess seasonal influence.

Main Results:

  • A total of 172 MS exacerbations were analyzed, with 123 of the opticospinal type and 49 of the brain type.
  • MS attacks occurred significantly more frequently during the warmest months (July and August) and the coldest months (January and February).

Conclusions:

  • Seasonal variation in MS attacks is evident in Japan.
  • High summer temperatures in warmer, low-latitude areas may represent a risk factor for triggering MS attacks.

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