How do hot temperatures typically affect people with MS?
The warmth may cause a temporary worsening of symptoms. If the outside temperature and therefore your own body temperature rises, symptoms such as visual disturbances, spasticity, movement disorders or even symptoms of paralysis can suddenly occur. Sufferers often report that they feel weak and listless – fatigue symptoms increase.
These changes can cause panic, especially for those who are newly affected because they fear an attack. However, there is good news: This change is usually not a classic flare-up of illness, the increased symptoms usually only last until the body temperature drops and there are ways to reduce the symptoms on hot days.
The specialist in neurology Dr. med. Mimoun Azizi, MA, has been Chief Physician of Geriatrics/Neurogeriatrics at the Celle General Hospital since 2021. He is also a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy and has additional qualifications in emergency medicine, geriatrics and palliative medicine, among other things. The author of various specialist books and articles also has a master’s degree in political science and sociology as well as a master’s degree in philosophy.
What mechanisms cause heat to increase MS symptoms?
A worsening of MS symptoms due to increased temperatures is also known as Uthoff phenomenon. Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease of the spinal cord and brain. Due to a breakdown of the myelin layer, the signals between the nerves are disrupted or slowed down. In hot weather this process can be even slower.
It is estimated that over 80 percent of MS patients complain of a temporary worsening of their symptoms in the heat.
Are there ways to mitigate or even prevent the effects of heat on MS patients?
Those affected can consider various things to keep the number of symptoms in the heat as low as possible. Long stays in the blazing sun should generally be avoided. At home or at work, a bowl of cold water can help cool your feet and arms. Airy, breathable clothing is helpful. But there are also certain cooling clothing, such as cooling vests, hoods and socks, that can be worn on the go.
Adequate hydration with water or unsweetened tea is essential – this also applies to completely healthy people! Above all, patients should learn to listen to their body and avoid excessively strenuous activities and stress. In addition, it is important to store your own medications correctly, as many should not be stored at temperatures above 25 degrees.
Should MS patients pay special attention when traveling or vacationing, especially to areas with high temperatures?
The Uthoff phenomenon is not an exclusion criterion for traveling to tropical areas. If the tips mentioned above are followed, a wonderful holiday is possible. Nevertheless, I always recommend sitting down with your doctor before such a trip to discuss risks and solutions. This can also help to carry out necessary vaccinations or assist with the question of how the required medication should best be transported.
It is advisable to find out detailed information about the destination and the healthcare system there before traveling – this can be done, for example, through the Center for Travel Medicine (CRM). For many holiday destinations, specific contacts from clinics can be obtained via the MS Society. This means that sick people have an emergency plan in case problems or complaints arise that require a doctor.
What can those affected generally do to reduce their symptoms?
In order to achieve long-term success, course-modifying treatment is considered indispensable. This includes a variety of innovative active ingredients that target exactly the cause of the disease and regulate the dysfunctional immune system. For example, there is an antibody agent that those affected only have to self-inject once a month.
The aim of therapy is to avoid relapses and to maintain the motor and cognitive abilities of those affected for longer. To improve quality of life, course-modifying therapy is often supplemented by symptomatic treatment, such as medication or collaboration with physiotherapists, occupational therapists and sports therapists.