Uhthoff's phenomenon

Uhthoff's phenomenon (pronounced: oof-toffs phenomenon) is a symptom often associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It is named after Wilhelm Uhthoff, a German ophthalmologist who first described the phenomenon in the late 19th century.

Definition

Uhthoff's phenomenon is a temporary worsening of MS symptoms due to an increase in body temperature. This can be caused by exercise, hot weather, a hot bath, or fever. The most common symptoms include blurred vision, fatigue, and difficulty with coordination.

Etymology

The term "Uhthoff's phenomenon" is named after Wilhelm Uhthoff, a German ophthalmologist who first described the phenomenon in 1890. Uhthoff noticed that some of his patients with optic neuritis, a common symptom of MS, experienced a temporary worsening of their symptoms when their body temperature increased.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Uhthoff's phenomenon are a temporary worsening of existing MS symptoms when the body's core temperature increases. These can include:

• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Difficulty with coordination
• Numbness or tingling
• Weakness

Related Terms

• Multiple Sclerosis: A chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, often leading to disability.
• Optic neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve, often causing pain and temporary vision loss.
• Neurology: The branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the nervous system.

See Also

• Hot bath test
• Lhermitte's sign
• Internuclear ophthalmoplegia

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Uhthoff's phenomenon
• Wikipedia's article - Uhthoff's phenomenon

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