Sept 11, 2015
In a newly published study in the PLOS One journal entitled “Reliability of Intra-Retinal Layer Thickness Estimates“, researchers from Germany explored the precision and reliability of a medical imaging technique named optical coherence tomography (OCT) in measurements of thickness of different intra-retinal layers in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). This parameter has been considered a good indicator to monitor neurological conditions.
MS is a condition characterized by damaged neurons that induces inefficient communication between parts of the nervous system. It is believed that MS is caused by an autoimmune disorder and also environmental factors like infections. Patients with MS are generally treated by numerous medications aimed to prevent new attacks and long-term disability. Alternative medicines including relaxation techniques, drugs like cannabis and oxygen therapy are also explored by MS patients despite the lack of scientific evidence. Patients with MS may suffer from various symptoms including muscle weakness/spasms, difficulty in moving and coordination, changes in sensation, depression, fatigue, bladder and bowel difficulties, and problems with speech.
Some of these symptoms may develop in isolated attacks and some strengthen with time resulting in permanent neurological problems. Among these, visual problems related to inflammation of the optic nerve have been associated with MS and they may lead to complete or partial loss of vision. Retina, which constitutes the third and inner coat of the eye, is reported to be an excellent site for monitoring neurological disorders like MS. OCT is a technique that is utilized to perform thickness measurements of the intra-retinal layers. Nonetheless, the approaches currently employed to determine layer thickness vary notably and published data concerning the reliability of OCT are not conclusive.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MS Views and News helps to provide information for all affected by MS
Keep up to date with the news and information we provide
by signing up by clicking here
.=================================================
Visit our MS Learning Channel on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/msviewsandnews
