THE EFFECTS OF INDUCED HYPERTHERMIA ON PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Abstract

Neurological changes of diminished visual acuity, variations in extraocular movements and muscular weakness occurred in 14 patients with multiple sclerosis when their body temperature was elevated 0.5[degree]F to 2.5[degree]F. Body temperature was raised in 5 patients by means of infrared lamps and in 9 by immersion in a hot bath with the water at 105[degree]F and was recorded by means of skin and rectal thermocouples. All patients showed an elevation of body temperature before the 1st neurological sign appeared. Eight patients who were in an inactive stage of the disease showed fewer signs than the 6 who were in the active stage. Following the test neurological changes would revert to control levels while body temperature was still slightly above the beginning temperature. Dysfunction in parts of the nervous system related directly to heat or a release of a humoral substance as a consequence of elevated body temperature are suggested as possible causes.