Uhthoff ’s Phenomenon as Presentation of COVID-19 Infection

Abstract

This is the first reported case of COVID-19 associated optic neuritis (ON) presenting with classic Uhtoff’s phenomenon typically associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Uhthoff phenomenon, also known as Uhthoff sign or syndrome, is a transient worsening of neurological function lasting less than 24 hours that can occur in multiple sclerosis patients due to increases in core body temperature. There have been some case reports of ON associated with COVID-19 infection but no reports of ON mimicking MS. The patient’s symptoms resolved very slowly and was not affected by receiving a vaccination against COVID-19.