An Ocular Motor Investigation of Attention in Multiple Sclerosis

This thesis aims to investigate attentional deficits in Multiple Sclerosis by characterising performance in tasks that measure attentional subdomains. Three subdomains, attentional orienting, selective attention and divided attention were assessed, with deficits explored as a function of disability. Collectively, the results revealed an inhibitory failure of attention in MS, with the compromised ability to resolve conflict between competing processes. Further, Inhibitory deficits deteriorate with greater levels of disability. Understanding attentional deficits in MS may potentially assist symptom management and the development of cognitive rehabilitation strategies for patients.