The symptom descriptions, prognosis claims and 1991 study figures below are historical and have not been reviewed against current evidence.
Uhthoff's symptom is a condition most commonly observed multiple sclerosis and particularly in Optic Neuritis where small increases in body temperature (hyperthermia) caused by exercise, hot baths or showers or otherwise, cause a worsening of symptoms.
The Uhthoff induced symptoms tend to go away as the body returns to its correct temperature after anything from several minutes to a few hours has passed. A very few cases have been reported where new symptoms have been induced by hyperthermia that have not eased away as the hyperthermia passes.
In one study, patients presenting with Optic Neuritis with associated Uhthoff's symptom were found to be more likely to convert to multiple sclerosis than those presenting with Optic Neuritis without any associated Uhthoff's symptom [McDonald WI and Sears TA, 1970].
One explanation of Uhthoff's symptom is that hyperthermia induces a heat-linked neuro-blockade of partially demyelinated axons. Other theories suggest that heat itself, effects of serum calcium, blockade of ion channels, circulatory changes, heat shock proteins and unidentified humoral substances.
Factor | No. of Patients | Per cent % |
|---|---|---|
Physical exertion | 21 | 52.5 |
Hot bath or shower | 11 | 27.5 |
Hot weather | 11 | 27.5 |
Stress, anxiety, anger | 5 | 12.5 |
Tired, end of day | 4 | 10.0 |
Hot food or drink | 3 | 7.5 |
Cooking | 2 | 5.0 |
Other | 3 | 7.5 |
See Optic Neuritis
Uhthoff's Symptom Links
Influence of temperature changes on multiple sclerosis
Source details
Author: Paul Jones
Archive capture: . This is not a medical review date.