Temperature effects on people with multiple sclerosis
Temperature changes can cause many people with Multiple Sclerosis to experience a temporary worsening of their symptoms. This occurs because heat makes the nerves (whose myelin sheath has been damaged by Multiple Sclerosis) less efficient at conducting electrical signals. Most people with MS avoid hot baths and showers, as well as heated swimming pools.
Extremely cold temperatures can also exacerbate the symptoms of the disease. Generally can cause spasticity, a motor disorder associated with multiple diseases that causes increased muscle tone. This makes it difficult and/or totally or partially impossible to move the affected muscles.
Heat effects in people with multiple sclerosis?
People may refer to this as Uhthoff’s phenomenon, and this can happen when the temperature of the body arise. Some symptoms are:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Vision problems
Multiple sclerosis damages the protective covering of the nerves, making them more sensitive to higher temperatures. People with this disease may also experience the following symptoms with increased body temperature:
- Rapid heart rate
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Trouble concentrating
- Slower reaction times
5 tips to control temperature in people with Multiple Sclerosis
Cold vests: a good solution
A popular type of cooling device for those with multiple sclerosis is a cooling vest, this can be worn over clothing, although some types fit well under it. Cold vests help lower a person’s core body temperature, and prevent flare-ups of heat-related symptoms.
MS can cause changes in the perception of body temperature, therefore, it is important not to apply ice packs directly to the skin. The effects and symptoms caused by temperature is temporary, so in case it lasts longer than usual or happens something out of the ordinary, it is best to see a specialist.
Temperature changes can cause many people with Multiple Sclerosis to experience a temporary worsening of their symptoms. This occurs because heat makes the nerves (whose myelin sheath has been damaged by Multiple Sclerosis) less efficient at conducting electrical signals. Most people with MS avoid hot baths and showers, as well as heated swimming pools.
Extremely cold temperatures can also exacerbate the symptoms of the disease. Generally can cause spasticity, a motor disorder associated with multiple diseases that causes increased muscle tone. This makes it difficult and/or totally or partially impossible to move the affected muscles.
Heat effects in people with multiple sclerosis?
People may refer to this as Uhthoff’s phenomenon, and this can happen when the temperature of the body arise. Some symptoms are:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Vision problems
Multiple sclerosis damages the protective covering of the nerves, making them more sensitive to higher temperatures. People with this disease may also experience the following symptoms with increased body temperature:
- Rapid heart rate
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Trouble concentrating
- Slower reaction times
5 tips to control temperature in people with Multiple Sclerosis
Cold vests: a good solution
A popular type of cooling device for those with multiple sclerosis is a cooling vest, this can be worn over clothing, although some types fit well under it. Cold vests help lower a person’s core body temperature, and prevent flare-ups of heat-related symptoms.
MS can cause changes in the perception of body temperature, therefore, it is important not to apply ice packs directly to the skin. The effects and symptoms caused by temperature is temporary, so in case it lasts longer than usual or happens something out of the ordinary, it is best to see a specialist.
