Understanding Common Symptoms Among MS Patients
Multiple sclerosis (MS) can seem like a frightening illness to many, as it affects the brain and central nervous system by disrupting communication between the brain and body, leading to coordination issues, balance problems, fatigue, and vision difficulties.
Currently, over 2.3 million people live with MS. Thankfully, people with MS now have longer lifespans than in the past, and many do not experience severe disabilities; however, there is still no cure for the disease, and diagnosing it can be difficult.
Different people may have different symptoms, but it’s important to note that two individuals with MS will not be completely different; instead, they will share similarities.
Some cases progress while others do not. Patients may exhibit severe disability symptoms, while some might not show any symptoms at all. However, what occurs in 80% of MS patients is a form of sensitivity within their bodies.
Sensitivity to heat is a common symptom among MS patients.
More than 80% of MS patients experience heat sensitivity. Studies have shown that between 60% to 80% of those with MS may face heat sensitivity, where even a slight increase in temperature can worsen their condition and cause neurological symptoms.
MS patients suffering from this issue might deal with muscle weakness, vision problems, unbalanced mental issues, and fatigue. There is still little information about what biological and environmental factors lead to their body temperature rise.
Researchers have noted that exercise, fever, sun exposure, hot showers, saunas, and menstrual cycles can also contribute.Stressor even hot food can lead to such problems.
In some patients, cold weather can also worsen symptoms.
As mentioned earlier, while most MS patients become sensitive to heat, 20% of them may feel worse in cold. Studies have found that some symptoms include muscle damage, a feeling of tightness in the body, and muscle stiffness.
Experts believe cold temperatures can affect the illness for two reasons: First, the cold impacts the speed of message transmission along the nerves, causing harm, and second, it creates areas in the brain where nerves are affected by cold.
Identifying this condition can aid in diagnosing MS. Scientists have concluded that examining sensitivity to heat or cold in these individuals might also help in diagnosing MS.
