Wilhelm Uhthoff and Uhthoff's phenomenon. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jain, Aarushi; Rosso, Mattia; Santoro, Jonathan D
• Is Part Of: Multiple sclerosis. Volume 26:Number 13(2020)
• Page Start: 1790
• Page End: 1796
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: Uhthoff -- Uhthoff's phenomenon -- multiple sclerosis -- biography -- optic neuritis; Central nervous system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Myelin sheath -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Inflammation -- Periodicals; Multiple sclerosis -- Periodicals; Central Nervous System Diseases -- Periodicals; Demyelinating Diseases -- Periodicals; Inflammation -- Periodicals; Multiple Sclerosis -- Periodicals; Système nerveux central -- Maladies -- Périodiques; Gaine de myéline -- Maladies -- Périodiques; Inflammation (Pathologie) -- Périodiques; Sclérose en plaques -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.834005
• DOI: 10.1177/1352458519881950
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1352-4585

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.