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Sympathetic skin response (SSR) in multiple sclerosis
B Zakrzewska-Pniewska1, A Kamińska, A Kostera-Pruszczyk
1Department of Neurology Medical Academy, Warsaw, Poland.
Neurologia I Neurochirurgia Polska
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Sympathetic skin response (SSR) testing revealed autonomic disturbances in 76% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. This simple method effectively assesses sympathetic nervous system function in MS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Autonomic Neuroscience
Background:
- Autonomic system dysfunction is a common complication in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Assessing autonomic function is crucial for understanding MS progression and patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of sympathetic skin response (SSR) as a non-invasive method for detecting autonomic disturbances in patients with clinically defined MS.
Main Methods:
- SSR was assessed in 25 MS patients using bimodal stimulation (median nerve and auditory bursts).
- Responses were recorded simultaneously from palms and soles.
- MS diagnosis was confirmed using MRI and evoked potentials.
Main Results:
- SSR was abnormal in 19 out of 25 patients (76%).
- Specific abnormalities included absent responses in lower limbs, increased latency, and decreased amplitude in upper and lower limbs.
- Abnormalities varied, with patterns like absent lower limb responses and altered upper limb responses observed.
Conclusions:
- Sympathetic skin response (SSR) is a simple and effective tool for identifying sympathetic nervous system disturbances in multiple sclerosis.
- SSR testing can aid in the comprehensive evaluation of autonomic dysfunction in MS patients.