Symptoms of temperature sensitivity in multiple sclerosis
With MS, your symptoms may alleviate due to heat. New and unfamiliar symptoms may appear. Common signs that do worsen due to heat include:
- Muscle weakness
- Imbalance and problem walking
- Blurred vision
- Bowels or bladder issues
- Difficulty focusing
- Memory issues
Factors in which heat intolerance differs in people with MS
Different people react differently to heat. Here are some differences in people that experience worsening symptoms due to heat.
- Level of heat: The level of heat that may cause people with MS to react differs. Some may be comfortable walking in 90° weather as long as they avoid the sun and stay hydrated. Others start feeling the symptoms at a much lower temperature.
- Type and severity of symptoms: One may only experience annoying symptoms such as tingling in the feet or debilitating symptoms like extreme fatigue or weakness.
- How long it takes to resolve symptoms: ideally, symptoms due to heat intolerance should decide when the body temperature cools down. However, it may take longer for some people.