What is the Uhthoff phenomenon?

Uhthoff’s phenomenon (also known as Uhthoff sign or Uhthoff syndrome) is described as temporary, short-lived (less than 24 hours), and stereotyped worsening of neurological function among multiple sclerosis patients in response to increases in core body temperature.

Why does Uhthoff’s phenomenon happen?

When elevated body temperature impairs vision, it’s called Uhthoff’s phenomenon. Uhthoff’s occurs because of damage to the optic nerve due to MS. It interferes with the transmission of signals between the eyes and the brain. Symptoms include blurry or reduced vision, and it’s often one of the first symptoms of MS.

Can you have Uhthoff’s phenomenon without MS?

4) Uhthoff’s phenomenon is not the same as a relapse or exacerbation. In fact it is considered a pseudo-exacerbation. 5) Not everyone with MS is heat sensitive. Some people do not experience Uhthoff’s phenomenon when their core body temperature rises.

What does Uhthoff’s phenomenon feel like?

Uhthoff’s phenomenon or Uhthoff’s sign is the temporary worsening of MS symptoms caused by an increase in temperature. It is usually applied to optic neuritis and other visual symptoms but can also refer to fatigue, pain, balance, weakness, bladder issues, cognitive or sensory symptoms.

Can heat affect your vision?

High temperature can cause the tear film of the eye to evaporate quickly, resulting in dry eye symptoms, including redness, irritation, burning sensation, and tearing. Eye allergies. High temperatures and high levels of irritants and pollutants in the air increase the risk of eye allergies.

Why do MS patients overheat?

MS-related heat intolerance occurs because the myelin protective covering around the nerves in the brain is damaged and doesn’t function properly when the body is overheated, says Jack Burks, MD, chief medical officer of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.

What is a pseudo flare up?

Pseudoexacerbation Facts A pseudoexacerbation is a temporary worsening of symptoms without actual myelin inflammation or damage, brought on by other influences. These can include other illnesses or infection, exercise, a warm environment, depression, exhaustion, and stress.

Why do I get so hot with MS?

MS causes nerves to lose their myelin sheath, making them more vulnerable to heat and temperature changes. Heat exposure can cause or heighten fatigue, numbness, blurry vision, tremor, confusion, imbalance, and weakness. This is a pseudo-exacerbation as symptoms typically dissipate once the body is cooled.

Why do I feel sick when I get to hot?

What causes heat exhaustion? Heat exhaustion occurs when a person exercises and works in a hot environment and the body cannot cool itself adequately. Dehydration occurs with water loss from excessive sweating, which causes muscle cramps, weakness, and nausea and vomiting.

Is blurry vision a symptom of heat stroke?

Symptoms of heatstroke include: Blurred or double vision. Headache. Muscle cramps. Vomiting.

Can you lose your vision from heat stroke?

It occurs because of the damage to the optic nerve caused by MS during overheating or overexertion. Signals between the eyes and the brain are disrupted, and temporary loss of vision may occur. Downbeat nystagmus is another occurrence (though rarer) that has been recorded due to heatstroke.

What does MS heat sensitivity feel like?

Heat sensitivity Between 60% and 80% of people with MS find that heat can cause their symptoms to worsen. This might involve a build up of fatigue, blurred vision, loss of balance or a worsening of cognitive symptoms such as concentration or memory.