Research Article

Evaluation of the effect of cervical cord lesion on upper extremity function in newly diagnosed persons with multiple sclerosis running head: upper extremity function in multiple sclerosis

Volume: 64 Number: 3 September 8, 2025
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Evaluation of the effect of cervical cord lesion on upper extremity function in newly diagnosed persons with multiple sclerosis running head: upper extremity function in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effect of cervical cord lesions on upper extremity functions in persons with very early-stage multiple sclerosis (MS) and describe the factors that affect the upper extremity functions in that population. Materials and Methods: Two hundred forty-five persons with MS (pwMS) were diagnosed 24 months after the first symptoms and three hundred seventy-eight pwMS initiated disease-modified treatment (DMT) within six months after diagnosis were included to study. Nine-Hole Peg Test (N-HPT) were performed to evaluate upper extremity functions. Participants divided two groups according to presence of cervical cord lesion. Results: There were no significant differences between groups in terms of age, gender, disease duration, and the number of relapses. However, the total Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS) score, pyramidal and sensory functional system scores were higher in pwMS with cervical cord lesions than without cervical cord lesions. Average and dominant hand N-HPT performance times were found significantly longer in pwMS with cervical cord lesion than without cervical cord lesion in participants-initiated DMT within six months after diagnosis. However, there were no significant differences between groups in participants diagnosed 24 months after first symptoms Age, disease duration, and time from diagnosis to treatment were identified as significant factors influencing N-HPT performance. PwMS who were younger, had a shorter disease duration, and received treatment sooner after diagnosis showed better performance than others. Conclusion: Our study highlights the influence of cervical cord lesions on upper extremity function, even in the early stages of MS, and underscores the importance of early diagnosis and prompt initiation of DMTs.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Publication Date

September 8, 2025

Submission Date

December 24, 2024

Acceptance Date

May 6, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 64 Number: 3

DOI

https://doi.org/10.19161/etd.1604450

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA43GX55KP

Cite

RIS / Bibtex
Vancouver
1.Asiye Tuba Özdoğar, Ergi Kaya, Bilge Piri Cinar, Nurbanu Aygündüz, Seda Daştan, Hilal Karakaş, Cavid Baba, Serkan Ozakbas. Evaluation of the effect of cervical cord lesion on upper extremity function in newly diagnosed persons with multiple sclerosis running head: upper extremity function in multiple sclerosis. EJM. 2025 Sep. 1;64(3):468-74. doi:10.19161/etd.1604450

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