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Updated: Mar 27, 2026
10:46
A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
Published on: December 9, 2015
11.2K
[The relationship between season/latitude and multiple sclerosis]
1Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing 100050, China.
Zhonghua Nei Ke Za Zhi
|January 14, 2016
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) onset and relapse show seasonal patterns, with higher rates in winter. Environmental factors like latitude and reduced sunlight exposure significantly influence MS activity.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Environmental Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
- Environmental factors, including season and latitude, are suspected to influence MS onset and relapse rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between season, latitude, and the incidence/recurrence of multiple sclerosis.
- To analyze the impact of temperature and sunlight exposure on MS activity.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of clinical data from 264 multiple sclerosis patients hospitalized between 2002 and 2012.
- Correlation analysis of MS onset/relapse with seasonal data, monthly mean temperature, and sunlight exposure.
- Comparison of recurrence rates between high and low latitude groups within Beijing.
Main Results:
- MS onset and relapse predominantly occurred in winter.
- A negative correlation was observed between MS activity and mean temperature/sunlight exposure intensity.
- Higher recurrence rates were noted in the high latitude group compared to the low latitude group.
Conclusions:
- Multiple sclerosis exhibits distinct seasonal onset and recurrence patterns.
- Latitude, temperature, and sunlight exposure are significant environmental factors contributing to MS activity.
- Sunlight exposure is identified as a critical factor influencing MS onset and recurrence.
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