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Paradoxical effects of temperature in multiple sclerosis.
W P Honan1, J R Heron, D H Foster
1Department of Neurology, North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary, Stoke-on-Trent, UK.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|September 1, 1987
Summary
Cold temporarily worsens multiple sclerosis symptoms. In one case, heat paradoxically worsened vision while improving other functions, suggesting complex temperature effects in multiple sclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease.
- Temperature sensitivity is a reported phenomenon in MS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report cases of temperature-induced symptom exacerbation in MS.
- To investigate the physiological effects of temperature on MS symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Case reporting of six MS patients.
- Detailed psychophysical testing in one patient.
Main Results:
- Cold exposure led to temporary worsening of MS symptoms and signs in all six cases.
- In one detailed case, heat caused a paradoxical decline in visual function.
- The same patient experienced simultaneous improvement in sensory and motor functions with heat exposure.
Conclusions:
- Temperature fluctuations can significantly impact MS symptom severity.
- A physiological basis for paradoxical responses to heat in MS is proposed.
- Further research into thermoregulation in MS is warranted.