Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test (MSPT): An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
11:35

The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test (MSPT): An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool

Published on: June 30, 2014

Clinical and demographical characteristics of primary progressive multiple sclerosis in Isfahan, Iran

A H Maghzi1, M Etemadifar, M Saadatnia

  • 1Medical School, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. maghzi@edc.mui.ac.ir

European Journal of Neurology
|March 29, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) is rare in the Persian population, affecting 5.7% of MS patients. Motor disturbance was the most common initial symptom, present in all patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) is a rare subtype of MS characterized by continuous neurological decline from disease onset.
  • Understanding the prevalence and clinical characteristics of PPMS in diverse ethnic groups is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of PPMS within the Iranian MS patient population.
  • To describe the common modes of presentation and current symptoms in PPMS patients.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study was conducted on 1606 MS patients registered with the Isfahan MS Society between April 2003 and December 2005.
  • PPMS cases were identified, and their demographic and clinical data, including Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores and presenting/current symptoms, were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • 92 cases of PPMS were identified, representing 5.7% of the total MS patient cohort.
  • The mean EDSS score was 5.09. Motor disturbance was the most frequent presenting symptom (59.8%), followed by vertigo (16.3%) and visual problems (13%).
  • Motor problems were universal current symptoms (100%), with cerebellar symptoms (50%) and cognitive impairment (6.5%) also noted.

Conclusions:

  • PPMS appears less common in the Persian population compared to other regions, with observed rates differing potentially due to ethnicity or geography.
  • Motor disturbances are the predominant initial and ongoing clinical manifestation in this cohort of PPMS patients.

More Related Videos

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data10:46

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data

Published on: December 9, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction01:19

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation01:21

Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
Prevalence and Incidence01:08

Prevalence and Incidence

In statistical epidemiology and health sciences, two essential metrics—prevalence and incidence—are fundamental for understanding disease dynamics within a population. These measures enable public health officials, epidemiologists, and researchers to assess the burden of diseases, allocate resources effectively, and design impactful public health policies and interventions.
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health condition at a...
Parkinson Disease l: Introduction01:24

Parkinson Disease l: Introduction

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement. It is characterized by motor symptoms such as resting tremors, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability. Patients may notice hand tremors at rest, stiffness during movement, or a shuffling gait. In addition to motor features, non-motor symptoms include sleep disturbances, mood and behavioral changes, constipation, and cognitive impairment, all of which...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations01:20

Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses two major chronic disorders—ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease—each characterized by relapsing episodes of gastrointestinal inflammation. Although they share certain clinical features, their patterns of involvement and manifestations differ in ways that aid diagnosis and guide management.Ulcerative ColitisUlcerative colitis is limited to the colon and rectum and involves continuous inflammation of the mucosal layer. The disease course is marked...
Parkinson's Disease: Overview01:15

Parkinson's Disease: Overview

Neurodegenerative disorders are progressive diseases that cause irreversible damage and loss to neurons in specific brain areas. Examples of these disorders include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). These disorders share characteristics such as proteinopathies, selective neuronal vulnerability, and a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. The primary therapeutic goal for these conditions is to...