Wilhelm Uhthoff and Uhthoff’s phenomenon

Abstract

Wilhelm Uhthoff, known for his contributions to both neurology and neuro-ophthalmology, was a German ophthalmologist who specialized in neurologic disorders. The eponym “Uhthoff’s phenomenon” was first used to describe the reversible, transient blurring of vision in patients with multiple sclerosis during exercise. Subsequently, it was discovered that this neurologic sign not only was triggered by physical exertion but also by other homeostatic disruptions such as hot baths, menstruation, and high external temperatures. Here, we take a look at the life and career of Wilhelm Uhthoff and discuss the basis behind this phenomenon.

Occurrence and Risk Factors of Relapse Activity after Vaccination against COVID-19 in People with Multiple Sclerosis: 1-Year Follow-Up Results from a Nationwide Longitudinal Observational Study

“…In our study, however, we only had data on the last relapse prior to the first vaccination. On the basis of patient-reported data collection by questionnaire, it can never be completely excluded that pseudo-relapses, e.g., in the form of Uhthoff phenomena [ 56 ], were recorded in addition to clinical MS relapses. To minimize this risk factor, we asked explicitly for physician-diagnosed MS relapses and their timing in the third follow-up survey.…”

Thermal dysregulation in patients with multiple sclerosis during SARS-CoV-2 infection. The potential therapeutic role of exercise

“…Impairment of this pathway worsens neurological signs and symptoms and in severe cases can increase heat sensitivity or Uhthoff phenomenon/syndrome, which describes a transient worsening of neurological symptoms (caused by hot weather, exercise, fever, being in a heated environment etc.) due to demyelination in MS ( Jain et al, 2020 ). Up to 60 to 80% of MS patients experience this phenomenon that can be triggered by increases in core temperature by as little as 0.5˚C, resulting in transient symptoms such as visual blurring ( Cianfrone et al, 2006 ; Filingeri et al, 2017 ; Jain et al, 2020 ; Syndulko et al, 1996 ; Wilson et al, 2010 ).…”

“…due to demyelination in MS ( Jain et al, 2020 ). Up to 60 to 80% of MS patients experience this phenomenon that can be triggered by increases in core temperature by as little as 0.5˚C, resulting in transient symptoms such as visual blurring ( Cianfrone et al, 2006 ; Filingeri et al, 2017 ; Jain et al, 2020 ; Syndulko et al, 1996 ; Wilson et al, 2010 ). The first report on visual blurring with exercise as a heat stressor was described in 1890 by Uhthoff, who attributed it to increases in core body temperature, leading to the avoidance of exercise by patients with MS ( Baker, 2002 ; Frohman et al, 2013 ).…”

Regos Nervo Uždegimas Ir Sąsajos Su Stat4

“…Tai iliuzinis suvokimas, kad objektas, judantis tiesiai išilgai 2-D plokštumos, vietoj to eina elipsine 3-D trajektorija [8]. Kitas regos nervo uždegimo požymis yra Unthoffo simptomas, kai pakilus kūno temperatūrai (po karšto dušo ar fizinės veiklos), regos atsikūrimo periodu pacientai skundžiasi trumpalaikiu ligos pablogėjimu [9]. Regos nervo uždegimo metu galimi centriniai bei periferiniai akipločio pakitimai.…”