Paradoxical effects of temperature in multiple sclerosis.
Six cases of multiple sclerosis are reported in which cold produced a temporary exacerbation of symptoms and signs of the disease. Also, in one case investigated in detail by psychophysical methods, heating produced a paradoxical deterioration in vision and simultaneous improvement in sensory and motor function. The effect of temperature in multiple sclerosis is discussed and a physiological explanation for the paradoxical response to heating is suggested.
Honan
W P
WP
Department of Neurology, North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary, Stoke-on-Trent, UK.
Heron
J R
JR
Foster
D H
DH
Snelgar
R S
RS
D000328:Adult; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation; D003080:Cold Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005074:Evoked Potentials, Visual; D005260:Female; D005425:Flicker Fusion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009902:Optic Neuritis / Q000175:diagnosis; D012684:Sensory Thresholds