Related Experiment Videos
Tests of autonomic dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis
V E Drory1, P F Nisipeanu, A D Kroczyn
1Department of Neurology, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Israel.
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Autonomic dysfunction is common in multiple sclerosis (MS). Electrophysiologic tests like sympathetic skin response (SSR) and R-R interval variation (RRIV) show high sensitivity in detecting these MS-related autonomic disturbances.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Autonomic Neuroscience
Background:
- Autonomic dysfunction frequently affects patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Electrophysiologic tests such as sympathetic skin response (SSR) and R-R interval variation (RRIV) are valuable for assessing autonomic disturbances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the sensitivity of SSR and RRIV in detecting autonomic dysfunction in MS patients.
- To correlate electrophysiologic findings with clinical disability and specific MS symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Sixty patients with clinically definite MS and 30 controls underwent SSR and RRIV testing.
- SSR was recorded from all four limbs; RRIV assessed heart rate variability.
- Clinical data, including Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), were collected.
Main Results:
- Abnormal SSR responses were observed in 65% of MS patients across at least one limb.
- SSR amplitude reduction correlated with EDSS, weakness, spasticity, and cerebellar dysfunction.
- RRIV was abnormal in 80% of MS patients, but did not correlate significantly with EDSS or SSR.
- The sensitivity of both SSR and RRIV was high, comparable to evoked potential tests.
Conclusions:
- SSR and RRIV are sensitive electrophysiologic tools for identifying autonomic dysfunction in MS.
- These tests can provide objective measures of autonomic involvement and correlate with clinical disability.
- SSR and RRIV findings support their utility in the comprehensive assessment of MS patients.