A to Z of MS Hughes' Syndrome
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) was identified in 1983. In the 1990s it was renamed Hughes' Syndrome after the Dr (now Prof) Graham Hughes whose work at St Thomas' Hospital in London led to the identification of the condition. It is also known as 'sticky blood' syndrome.
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.
- Find out more
- Hughes' Syndrome website
- Diagnosis
MS Trust Information Service
If this information doesn't answer your questions, contact the MS Trust's personal information service on 01462 476700 or by email
