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Autonomic involvement in multiple sclerosis: a pupillometric study
G Pozzessere1, P Rossi, E Valle
1Istituto di Clinica delle Malattie Nervose e Mentali, Università La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Summary
Pupillary autonomic dysfunction is evident in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, showing altered light and dark pupil responses. This suggests autonomic nervous system involvement affecting pupil control in MS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Autonomic Nervous System
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect various neurological functions.
- Pupillary autonomic function is a potential indicator of neurological impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate pupillary autonomic function in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To compare pupillary responses between MS patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Examined 36 MS patients with low disability and no recent optic neuritis.
- Utilized pupillometry to assess light and dark pupillary reflexes.
- Compared MS patients to a control group.
Main Results:
- MS patients exhibited increased pupillary dilation in darkness compared to controls.
- MS patients showed reduced light reflex amplitude and contraction rate.
- A faster recovery of pupillary diameter was observed in MS patients post-stimulus.
- No significant differences were found based on MRI lesions, VEP P100 latency, or prior optic neuritis history.
Conclusions:
- Results indicate autonomic dysfunction in MS patients, characterized by reduced parasympathetic and increased sympathetic tone affecting pupil control.
- Pupillary abnormalities in MS may stem from non-specific central pathway impairments affecting pupil regulation.