Spontaneous yawning in patients with multiple sclerosis: A polygraphic study

Yawning is significantly increased in MS patients compared to normal controls by using the polygraphic method. There is no direct relation of the brainstem and the origin of yawning in MS patients according to clinical picture and MRI findings. However safe swallows during yawning could suggest that there is still need to some brain stem mechanism and/or oropharyngeal reflexes. Difficulties must be emphasized to detect anatomic localization in MS because of relapsing pattern of disease