How does the weather affect someone with MS?

Question

For instense my father was recently hospitalized for getting the
"Chills" no one knows why this was happening but it scared all of us, and he has been in bed all summer.

Answer 1

I have tried to find some information about it for you but I couldn't find anything about the chills you mentioned. I hope that my information can still be helpful in some way.
I wish you, your family and your father lots of strenght and all the best.

MS symptoms vary significantly in terms of severity, intensity and duration. Sensory symptoms are the first warning signs. Many patients notice color distortion, blurred or double vision, and temporary blindness. Their senses of smell, hear, touch, and taste are also affected. They experience muscle weakness and difficulty walking, as well as muscle spasms and numbness, tingling, or prickling ("pins and needles") sensations called paresthesias. As the disease progresses, sudden partial or complete paralysis of the arms or legs is common, as are an inability to speak clearly, move without tremors, or hear clearly. Mental functions are also affected. Patients can not concentrate or remember as clearly as before. They often become depressed. They may laugh or cry uncontrollably. As conditions worsen, they lose control of bodily functions. Some patients find that hot weather exacerbates their symptoms. Cold baths or air conditioning may help during these periods. There are also periods, called remissions, in which the patients are free of symptoms; remission can be complete or partial.


Symptoms

The symptoms of MS include:

Tingling sensations of the extremities
Numbness of the extremities
Dizziness
Uncontrollable tremors
Slurred speech
Blurred or double vision
Loss of vision
Walking/gait abnormalities
Hearing loss
Muscle weakness
Poor coordination
Unusual fatigue
Muscle cramps
Spasms
Problems with bladder, bowel and sexual function
Paralysis
Forgetfulness
Confusion
Note:
Symptoms vary, depending on where the MS occurs in the central nervous system.
Symptoms vary from person to person and from time to time in the same person.
Symptoms tend to appear, remit and reappear. There is no way at present to predict when or even if attacks of the disease will recur. In general, the typical pattern of MS is marked by periods of active disease, called exacerbations, and symptom-free periods, called remissions.
Symptoms may occur in any combination and can vary from mild to very severe.

Answer 2

The heat definitely affects me. It differs from person to person. Remember MS is a disease of the central nervous system, so depending on the part of the spine or brain that is affected so is the type of exacerbation or flare up you have. Vision loss or tingling certain parts of the nervous system affects different things. I get night sweats very often to the point they wake me up and I haven't had an exacerbation in years! I also used to be able to "hold it" before I really had to go, now...if I say I have to go, I've gotta go! Just a little reminder of what I have to deal with.

For a majority of people it's heat, but hey no one is exactly the same. I take Tylenol for my symptoms, especially the days that I take my shot (I'm on Avonex), regardless of the intensity of any side effects, sometimes I have none. However, that also depends on hormones for a woman.

Good luck to your father, keep him comfortable and in good spirits. This disease is not so obvious to many so they don't know how to cope, both the person and those around them. It can be very scary! You're fantastic for even caring to ask! I applaud you!

Answer 3

My cousin has ms, she had symptoms at age 17 and no Doctor would listen, at age 45 she fell while walking normally, and lost her balance for no reason, It was on that day the Dr. told her she probably had MS, did all the tests, and it was indeed MS. What your Dad is going through she did also in the first few months after being diagnosed, and cold weather makes her MS worse. But one can live many years, god bless your Daddy, I hope he does well.

Answer 4

I have MS but never heard of that, one thing for sure MS symptoms increase with heat.

Answer 5

heat tends to exaborate MS and makes its symptoms worse.

however, there is another theory about mercury and the equator as well.

wish i could be of more help.

hugs and prayers your way!