A to Z of MS Hughes' Syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) or 'sticky blood' syndrome was identified in 1983. In the 1990s it was renamed Hughes' Syndrome after Dr (now Prof) Graham Hughes whose work at St Thomas' Hospital in London led to the identification of the condition.

People with Hughes' Syndrome have an increased tendency to form clots in blood vessels. This can cause a range of possible symptoms, some of which - pins and needles, balance disorders, giddiness, and visual disturbances - are also experienced by people with MS. Occasional press stories report misdiagnosis of Hughes' Syndrome as multiple sclerosis, but this seems to be rare.

Hughes' Syndrome can be diagnosed by blood tests, and is treatable using blood-thinning medications.

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