Thursday, June 21, 2007

Caregiving: summer fun?

Impact of Temperature on Multiple Sclerosis

 

“Heat or high humidity can make many people with MS experience a temporary worsening of their symptoms. Doctors believe that this occurs because heat causes nerves (whose myelin covering has been destroyed from MS) to conduct electrical signals even less efficiently.

 

For reasons that are not well understood, extremely cold temperatures and changes in temperature can also cause MS symptoms, usually spasticity, to flare.

 

How Can I Keep Myself Comfortable?

    * Avoid extreme temperatures. Extreme temperatures may worsen your MS symptoms.

    * Use air conditioning. If hot and humid conditions worsen your MS, try to stay in cool and dry areas as much as possible. A home air conditioner may be tax-deductible for some people with MS; talk to your doctor.

 

It is important to remember that while climate may worsen the symptoms of MS, climate changes do not produce more actual nerve damage. The adverse effects of temperature and humidity are generally temporary.”

 

WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic

5 comments:

  1. I have the exact same problem with ALS.  In humidity a de-humidifier can help too.  Heat = ragdoll, cold = 2x4 stiff and can't talk or type with either.  You always need to watch the weather and be prepared.  My best and funniest stories are with ALS and weather. :)

    HUGS
    Tammy

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  2. I had never thought about this, but extreme temps having an impact on people with MS makes sense.  

    Jackie

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  3. Thank you for sharing this Patrick, just was out side and am now paying for it.
    Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  4. (((((((((((((((((HUGSTOYOU)))))))))))))))))Have a nice weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for this info Patrick - sending it to my brother right away.  CATHY

    ReplyDelete

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