Peripheral nerve studies have shown that even a 0.5 °C increase in body temperature can slow or block the conduction of nerve impulses in demyelinated nerves. With greater levels of demyelination, a smaller increase in temperature is needed to slow down the nerve impulse conduction.[8] Exercising and normal daily activities can cause a significant increase in body temperature in individuals with MS, especially if their mechanical efficiency is poor due to the use of mobility aids, ataxia, weakness, and spasticity.[9] However, exercise has been shown to be helpful in managing MS symptoms, reducing the risk of comorbidities, and promoting overall wellness.[10]
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Uhthoff's phenomenon is clinical and based on symptoms when it occurs in a person who is already diagnosed with MS.[1] The main differential diagnosis is a more serious worsening of MS symptoms.[1]
Prevention and management
Many patients with MS tend to avoid saunas, warm baths, and other sources of heat. They may wear ice or evaporative cooling clothes, such as vests, neck wraps, armbands, wristbands, and hats. Taking advantage of the cooling properties of water may help attenuate the consequences of heat sensitivity. Exercise pre-cooling via lower body immersion in water of 16–17 °C for 30 minutes may allow heat sensitive individuals with MS to exercise more comfortably with fewer side effects by minimizing body temperature increases during exercise.[9]Hydrotherapy exercise in moderately cool water of 27–29 °C water can also be advantageous to individuals with MS. Temperatures lower than 27 °C are not recommended because of the increased risk of invoking spasticity.[10]
Prognosis
Uhthoff's phenomenon is a temporary problem, and typically completely reverses once body temperature returns to normal.[2][8] This may take up to 24 hours.[1]
Uhthoff's phenomenon was first described by Wilhelm Uhthoff in 1890 as a temporary worsening of vision with exercise in patients with optic neuritis.[1][11] Later research revealed the link between neurological signs such as visual loss and increased heat production and Uhthoff's belief that exercise was the etiology of visual loss was replaced by the conclusions of these later researchers stating that heat was the prime etiology.[12]
^W. Uhthoff: Untersuchungen über die bei der multiplen Herdsklerose vorkommenden Augenstörungen. Archiv für Psychiatrie und Nervenkrankheiten, Berlin, 1890, 21: 55-116 and 303-410.
^Guthrie, T.C.; Nelson, D.A. (1995). "Influence of temperature changes on multiple sclerosis: critical review of mechanisms and research potential". J Neurol Sci. 129 (1): 1–8. doi:10.1016/0022-510x(94)00248-m. PMID7751837. S2CID12555514.