Does Uhthoff’s Symptom Always Mean M.S.?

Julie E. Hall, DipAppSc (Cumb), DOBA
Denis J.Stark, MB, BS, FRCS (Edin), FRACO

Transient visual blurring caused by raised body temperature, often related to exercise and hot baths, has become known as Uhhoff’s symptom. This symptom has classically been regarded as heralding multiple sclerosis. This paper describes firstly a classical case of Uhthoff’s as the presenting symptom in multiple sclerosis, secondly in pituitary adenoma and thirdly in ischaemic optic neuropathy.
In all three diagnoses the vascular-steal theory offers the most acceptable explanation as to the mechanism of this visual disturbance.
Uhthoff’s often means multiple sclerosis. This paper however stresses the importance of a careful investigation that does not ignore the possibility of compressive lesions or other neurological problems in patients who present with Uhthoff’s symptom.