A pilot study conducted by Kessler Foundation researchers has shown promising results in the use of methylphenidate to enhance oculomotor function in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The article, "Effect of methylphenidate on oculomotor function in individuals with multiple sclerosis: a pilot randomized placebo-controlled trial," (doi: 10.3389/fneur.
2024.1393877), was published open access on May 23, 2024, by Frontiers in Neurology . The findings could have significant implications for the treatment of visual and cognitive impairments associated with MS.
The pilot randomized placebo-controlled trial involved 11 participants with MS who were randomly assigned to receive either methylphenidate or a placebo for four weeks plus crossover treatment for four more weeks after a seven-day washout period. Assessments of oculomotor speed, using the King-Devick test, and information processing speed, were conducted before and after each treatment phase. We observed a notable improvement in the oculomotor speed of participants during methylphenidate administration compared to the placebo.
This improvement in eye movement speed correlated directly with enhanced performance on visuomotor tasks, which are crucial for everyday functions." Timothy J. Rich, PhD, lead author, OTR/L, research scientist in the Center for Stroke Rehabilitation Research at Kessler Foundation Silvana L Costa, PhD, research scientist in the Centers for Neuropsychology, Neuroscience, and Multiple Sclerosis Re.
