MS research update - 02 July 2010
- Mental and physical fatigue does not affect cognitive performance
- Recurrent and bilateral optic neuritis in MS and NMO
Mental and physical fatigue does not affect cognitive performance
Fatigue is the commonest symptom experienced by people with MS and it can have a significant impact on day to day activities. This study investigated whether physical and mental fatigue had any impact on cognitive complaints (as reported by people themselves) and cognitive performance (as assessed by tests).
80 people with MS took part in the study and undertook a series of tests that required a level of information processing. Participants were also assessed for depression and anxiety. People who suffered anxiety, depression and mental fatigue reported more cognitive complaints. There was no significant link between higher levels of mental and physical fatigue and performance in the cognitive tests.
Bol Y, Duits AA, Hupperts RM, et al.
The impact of fatigue on cognitive functioning in patients with multiple sclerosis
Clinical Rehabilitation 2010 [Epub ahead of print]
abstract
Recurrent and bilateral optic neuritis in MS and NMO
Optic neuritis is the most common eye problem seen in MS. It is caused by inflammation or demyelination (damage to the nerve covering) of the optic nerve, which transmits the image from the retina to the brain. Optic neuritis is usually transient and associated with good recovery.
This study investigated the frequency of bilateral (affecting both eyes) and recurrent optic neuritis in MS and in Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) - a rare type of demyelinating condition that can be difficult to differentiate from MS. The medical records of 472 people with MS were compared alongside epidemiological data about NMO.
Of the 472 people with MS, 21% presented with optic neuritis (affecting one or both eyes) as their first symptom of MS. Of these, 5.5% went on to experience a further episode of optic neuritis before developing any other symptoms. 3.8% of study participants experienced recurrent bilateral optic neuritis as their initial symptom of MS.
The study authors conclude that as recurrent unilateral and bilateral optic neuritis is a common presentation of MS - and MS is a much more common condition than NMO - special consideration and further diagnostic testing of people presenting with these symptoms is warranted.
Burman J, Raininko R, Fagius J, et al.
Bilateral and recurrent optic neuritis in multiple sclerosis
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica 2010 [Epub ahead of print]
abstract