As yesterday was the official first day of summer, I thought I'd talk about heat. Growing up in Florida and dealing with heat is just a natural occurrence. However, with MS, we know it can affect us differently.
Heat alters nerve conduction and MS is a disease of altered nerve conduction. Heat can affect nerves whose myelin covering has been affected by MS which makes the signals/transmissions to and from the brain less efficient.
Even a very slight elevation in core body temperature can alter transmission and can make existing symptoms feel worse and may even make old symptoms resurface until the body cools back down. These changes DOES NOT mean you are having an exacerbation, they are temporary and will go away once your body cools off. People most sensitive to heat and develop symptoms quickest will be most responsive to cooling down and symptoms disappear quickly.
Some symptoms you may feel when body is overheated:
Decreased cognitive function,
Numbness in the extremities,
Fatigue,
Blurred vision, known as Uhthoff’s sign,
Tremor,
Weakness
Precautions are important:
*Consider time of day you do things. Activities that require more energy should be done when it's cooler out.
You may also want to break down / space out tasks to avoid overdoing it especially in the heat.
*Use lightweight clothing that allows the skin to breathe, hats and cooling garments.
*Stay in air conditioning or use fan.
*Stay hydrated. This is very important and often overlooked. Water, lemonade or drinks such as gatorade is best. Try to avoid iced tea or coffee drinks as caffeine is a diuretic which rids the body of fluids.
*Look for shade. That includes parking spaces.
*Avoid the heat if any symptoms, especially fatigue, is prominent at that time.
I welcome input and feedback.
Stay cool!
Heat alters nerve conduction and MS is a disease of altered nerve conduction. Heat can affect nerves whose myelin covering has been affected by MS which makes the signals/transmissions to and from the brain less efficient.
Even a very slight elevation in core body temperature can alter transmission and can make existing symptoms feel worse and may even make old symptoms resurface until the body cools back down. These changes DOES NOT mean you are having an exacerbation, they are temporary and will go away once your body cools off. People most sensitive to heat and develop symptoms quickest will be most responsive to cooling down and symptoms disappear quickly.
Some symptoms you may feel when body is overheated:
Decreased cognitive function,
Numbness in the extremities,
Fatigue,
Blurred vision, known as Uhthoff’s sign,
Tremor,
Weakness
Precautions are important:
*Consider time of day you do things. Activities that require more energy should be done when it's cooler out.
You may also want to break down / space out tasks to avoid overdoing it especially in the heat.
*Use lightweight clothing that allows the skin to breathe, hats and cooling garments.
*Stay in air conditioning or use fan.
*Stay hydrated. This is very important and often overlooked. Water, lemonade or drinks such as gatorade is best. Try to avoid iced tea or coffee drinks as caffeine is a diuretic which rids the body of fluids.
*Look for shade. That includes parking spaces.
*Avoid the heat if any symptoms, especially fatigue, is prominent at that time.
I welcome input and feedback.
Stay cool!
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