Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 7, 2026
08:51
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
10.1K
A very rare paroxysmal symptom in multiple sclerosis: convergence spasm
Süleyman Anlıaçık1, Ali Ulvi Uca1, Hasan Hüseyin Kozak1
1Department of Neurology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|July 13, 2015
Summary
This case study highlights a rare instance of convergence spasm in multiple sclerosis. Prompt intravenous methylprednisolone therapy led to complete symptom recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimmunology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS).
- MS can manifest with diverse neurological deficits, including visual, motor, sensory, and cognitive impairments.
- Paroxysmal symptoms, triggered by external stimuli, can also occur in MS patients.
Observation:
- A rare case of convergence spasm accompanied by paroxysmal symptoms in a multiple sclerosis patient is presented.
- The patient experienced symptoms triggered by specific stimuli, indicative of CNS dysfunction.
- Diagnostic imaging and video recordings were utilized to document the condition.
Findings:
- The observed convergence spasm and associated paroxysmal symptoms were directly linked to multiple sclerosis.
- Imaging findings corroborated the neurological deficits observed in the patient.
- The case demonstrates a specific, albeit uncommon, clinical presentation of MS.
Implications:
- This case underscores the varied clinical presentations of multiple sclerosis.
- Complete recovery from convergence spasm is achievable with timely and appropriate treatment.
- Intravenous methylprednisolone therapy proved effective in resolving the paroxysmal symptoms, offering a potential therapeutic strategy.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Vascular Spasm
4.9K
The vascular phase, also known as vasospasm, is the initial stage of hemostasis, crucial for preventing excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. After a vessel is cut, nerves in the damaged area trigger pain and other sensory impulses. Simultaneously, the smooth muscles in the vessel wall contract, resulting in a vascular spasm. This contraction reduces the vessel's diameter at the injury site, slowing or stopping blood loss through the vessel wall. Vascular spasms typically last...
4.9K
01:28Classification of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
3.3K
Skeletal muscle relaxants are a group of drugs that can reduce muscle stiffness and induce temporary paralysis to relieve pain. These agents can act centrally to reduce muscle tone or spasms in painful conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or spinal injuries; they are called antispasmodics or spasmolytics.
Peripherally acting skeletal muscle relaxants interfere with the neurotransmission at the neuromuscular end plate to induce paralysis during...
Peripherally acting skeletal muscle relaxants interfere with the neurotransmission at the neuromuscular end plate to induce paralysis during...
3.3K
01:29Spasmolytic Agents: Chemical Classification
1.4K
Spasmolytic agents are drugs used to alleviate muscle spasms and spasticity. They can be categorized into different chemical groups based on their mechanisms of action. Centrally acting spasmolytics primarily affect the spinal cord, while others directly target skeletal muscle cells.
A major class of centrally acting spasmolytics is the α2-agonist, such as tizanidine. These drugs bind to α2-adrenoceptors, inhibiting the release of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. They also...
A major class of centrally acting spasmolytics is the α2-agonist, such as tizanidine. These drugs bind to α2-adrenoceptors, inhibiting the release of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. They also...
1.4K
01:10Muscle Contraction
9.4K
In skeletal muscles, acetylcholine is released by nerve terminals at the motor endplate—the point of synaptic communication between motor neurons and muscle fibers. The binding of acetylcholine to its receptors on the sarcolemma allows entry of sodium ions into the cell and triggers an action potential in the muscle cell. Thus, electrical signals from the brain are transmitted to the muscle. Subsequently, the enzyme acetylcholinesterase breaks down acetylcholine to prevent excessive...
9.4K
01:15Muscle Contraction
100.9K
100.9K
01:29Relaxation of Skeletal Muscles
9.3K
The period of muscle contraction primarily influences the duration of stimulation at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the presence of free calcium ions in the sarcoplasm, and the availability of energy or ATP to support contractions.
When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, it depolarizes the membrane and opens voltage-gated sodium channels. Sodium ions enter the cell, further depolarizing the presynaptic membrane. This depolarization causes voltage-gated calcium channels to open....
When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, it depolarizes the membrane and opens voltage-gated sodium channels. Sodium ions enter the cell, further depolarizing the presynaptic membrane. This depolarization causes voltage-gated calcium channels to open....
9.3K