A REVIEW ON MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND PERSISTENT HICCUPS MANAGEMENT

Tony M. Kuriakose* and Dr. Arun Raj R.

ABSTRACT

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a Central Nervous System (CNS) demyelinating disease. The pathological hallmark is the presence of plaques. The paroxysmal symptoms of MS can be managed by gabapentine and carbamazepine. Disease modifying drugs can be employed to decrease the frequency of relapses. The hiccups of long term nature (longer than 48 hours) are termed as persistent hiccups. It’s mainly caused due to the irritation or damage of vagus or phrenic nerve. Gabapentine agonist baclofen and anti-psychotic drug chlorpromazine are the primary choices of treatment for the management of persistent hiccups. The aim of this review is to discuss the Etiopathogenesis, clinical features and all newer treatment strategies for the rational management of multiple sclerosis and persistent hiccups.

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, Persistent hiccups, Demyelinating disease, Gastroesophageal reflux disease.