[Clinical ocular-motor disturbances in multiple sclerosis]
Magdalena Józefowicz-Korczyńska1, Maciej Gryczyński, Katarzyna Starska
1I Katedra Otolaryngologii UM w Lodzi. korcz@csk.am.lodz.pl
Otolaryngologia Polska = the Polish Otolaryngology
|August 18, 2009
Summary
The otoneurologic bedside exam, using an ocular motor disturbances index, effectively evaluates Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients. This method aids in monitoring disease progression and assessing neurological status.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
Context:
- Vertigo, dizziness, and disequilibrium are common symptoms requiring accurate diagnosis.
- Otoneurologic examination, including eye movement testing, provides insights into balance system function.
- Assessing ocular motor disturbances is crucial for understanding neurological conditions.
Purpose:
- To present a scheme for otoneurologic bedside examination.
- To evaluate the usefulness of an ocular motor disturbances index (IRZ) in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients.
- To correlate ocular motor findings with disease duration and severity.
Summary:
- Sixty MS patients underwent bedside ocular motor examinations, including seven specific tests.
- An ocular motor disturbances index (IRZ) was introduced to quantify findings.
- Abnormalities were most frequent in saccadic (30%) and smooth pursuit (22%) tests, with 31.7% of patients showing an abnormal IRZ.
Impact:
- The study highlights the value of otoneurologic bedside examinations in evaluating visual-ocularmotor reflexes.
- The ocular motor disturbances index (IRZ) can be a useful tool for monitoring the course of MS.
- Abnormal ocular motor findings correlated with longer disease duration and higher neurological impairment scores (EDSS).
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