Uhthoff phenomenon (heat-sensitive conduction block in demyelination)
Core concept
- Uhthoff phenomenon = transient worsening of neurological symptoms with increased body temperature (exercise, hot bath/shower, fever, sauna)
- Mechanism: demyelinated axons conduct via unstable, temperature-sensitive Na+ channel kinetics
- inc Temp -> inc Na+ channel inactivation rate -> conduction block in partially demyelinated fibres
- Fully myelinated axons unaffected -> deficit is reversible within minutes to hours as temperature normalises
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