Disentangling Cognitive Functioning and Visual Scanning Deficits in Cognitive Test Results in Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

As previously described in the brief summary, this clinical study aims to investigate the relationship between cognitive impairment and eye movement parameters in Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Cognitive tests

Cognitive impairment is a common symptom in patients with MS. The most affected cognitive domains are information processing speed and visual memory, but also the domains of attention, executive function, working memory, visuospatial processing and verbal memory can be affected. There are different valid screening and evaluation tools for cognitive impairment (CI) described and used in the MS field. This clinical study will use the tests of the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS).

Infrared oculography

Another common symptom in MS is problems with eye movements. An eye condition commonly seen in these patients is internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO). It is a specific conjugate horizontal gaze disorder characterized by slowed movement of the adducting eye relative to the abducting eye in horizontal saccades, resulting from damage to the medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF). This may lead to (transient) diplopia or 'blurring of vision', particularly during horizontal gaze. INO can be diagnosed by using infrared oculography, a noninvasive method of quantifying eye movements. Recent research indicates that eye movements can reflect certain aspects of brain function and provide insights into cognitive impairments. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the prevalence of INO in MS using infrared oculography, compare the diagnosis of INO using infrared oculography with clinical examination by a physician and lastly explore the relationship between the presence of INO and cognitive decline.