Volume 4, Issue 2 (Spring 2018)                   Caspian J Neurol Sci 2018, 4(2): 71-76 | Back to browse issues page


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1- Department of Neurology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2- Isfahan Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Neurology, Alzahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
3- Department of Neurology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
4- Department of Neurology, Poursina Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
5- Department of Neurology, Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
6- School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran , sabetifateme@yahoo.com
Abstract:   (3694 Views)
Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. Tremors are a common problem in the patients suffering from MS which is mostly observed in the arms but can also affect the other body parts. There have been few studies on tremors among the MS patients. 
Objectives: This study is the first to report the prevalence of tremor in a group of MS patients in Iran. We have also reported the possible associations between the presence of tremor and different forms of ataxia. 
Materials & Methods: This study was performed on a group of MS patients in Alzahra hospital, Isfahan, Iran. Patients were interviewed, and a neurologist carried out the neurological examinations, including the evaluation of the type of tremor with the help of Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS); ataxia clinical scale for dysmetria, dysdiadochokinesia, dysarthria and gait ataxia. Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) part 3.15 to 3.17 was also used for tremor classification. Tremor-related disability and handicap were scored by using Disability and Handicap Questionnaires. 
Results: Out of the 164 patients, 113 had tremor (69%) of which 23 were males (20%), and 90 were females (80%). A strong correlation between tremor and ataxia was reported while there were no correlations between tremor and patient’s gender, type of MS or the first clinical presentation. Twenty-three of the 164 patients suffered from the incapacitating tremor and had serious problems doing certain tasks. We also reported tremor to greatly affect the daily activities.
Conclusion: The frequency of tremor in MS is relatively high. Strong correlation is between tremor and ataxia but not with the gender, the type of MS or the first clinical presentation. The tremor of MS greatly affected the activities of the daily living.
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Type of Study: Applicable | Subject: Special
Received: 2017/11/19 | Accepted: 2018/02/27 | Published: 2018/04/1

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