Abnormal eye movements predict disability in MS: two-year follow-up

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2005 Apr:1039:521-3. doi: 10.1196/annals.1325.058.

Abstract

We conducted a two-year follow-up study of 40 patients with MS in whom we had reported that abnormal eye movements (AEM) were associated with greater general disability. AEM patients (17/40) remained significantly (p < .001) more disabled (median EDSS of 7.0) than those with normal eye movements (median EDSS of 5.0). AEM and great disability were associated with abnormal MRI signals in brainstem or cerebellum, where disease may involve control circuits for eye movements as well as descending motor pathways.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Disabled Persons*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / physiopathology*
  • Nystagmus, Pathologic / etiology
  • Ocular Motility Disorders / etiology*
  • Pursuit, Smooth / physiology
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome