Association between Non-Right-Handedness and Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Abstract

Background: Only two studies have examined the relationship between handedness and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Objective: To extend previous work examining any relationships between MS and handedness. Methods: Using an online survey, self-reported MS individuals with Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) and Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS) (N = 188) were examined. Handedness was categorized three ways using the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory (1971): Writing Hand, Handedness Direction and Handedness Degree. Results: MS Type and Writing Hand was significant such that participants who wrote with their left hand were more likely to be diagnosed with PPMS than participants who wrote with their right hand. MS Type and Handedness Direction was significant such that left-handed women were more likely to be diagnosed with PPMS than right-handed women. Conclusion: The current study suggests that there in fact, may be a relationship between MS and handedness, particularly in women.