Now that the heat is driving us up a wall, we might want to review what we know about heat intolerance. It is the one symptom which did not improve for me post procedure. It's very common in PwMS .Air conditioning, misting the skin with water and using a fan are simple strategies to cope with the heat. In addition, use of a cooling vest may aid a person to keep a stable body temperature by using evaporative techniques
Cooling vests work by evaporation. They absorb a small amount of water before use and cools the body while the person is wearing it by pulling excess heat away from the body as the water evaporates out of the vest. The lightweight vest is only slightly damp - not wet - and can be worn on top of or under a light shirt. The vest, unlike ice or something very cold directly on the skin, does not “feel cold” but rather helps to regulate body temperature by removing excess heat.
Humidity is an important factor to consider, as sweating as well as cooling vests operate on the assumption that moisture can evaporate from the skin, taking excess heat with it. If the air humidity is above 85%, there is no way for that evaporative cooling to occur. Air circulation, humidity as well as the actual temperature are all factors to consider.
Hot weather worsens all of our autonomic symptoms, such as flushing, pallor, irregular heart rate, and even gut dysmotility. Hot weather can also worsen non-autonomic symptoms such as seizures, muscle pain and cramping, fatigue, and behavior (irritability, hyperactivity, non-compliance, etc.)
Heat intolerance in MS shows up as a "pseudo-exacerbation" -- the experience of having symptoms appear or worsen due to heat exposure. This is different than a true relapse In the case of a pseudo-exacerbation, when the body’s temperature returns to normal, these symptoms disappear. No damage, such as inflammation, or new lesions, has been done during these pseudo-exacerbations
- Decreased cognitive function
- Numbness in the extremities
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision, known as Uthoff's sign
- Tremor
- Weakness
- Any MS symptoms can be much worse in the heat. Sometimes, symptoms appear that we might not have felt before, which is the result of a lesion in a corresponding area of the brain or spinal cord that was slight enough that it did not cause a relapse or symptoms dramatic enough to notice. Uhthoff's symptom is a condition most commonly observed multiple sclerosis and particularly in Optic Neuritis where small increases in body temperature (hyperthermia) caused by exercise, hot baths or showers or otherwise, cause a worsening of symptoms.
- The Uhthoff induced symptoms tend to go away as the body returns to its correct temperature after anything from several minutes to a few hours has passed. Uhthoff’s sign refers to blurred vision as a result of heat exposure. This is caused by a lesion on the optic nerve, known as optic neuritis. However, many people that experience Uhthoff’s sign never had classic symptoms of optic neuritis and may be unaware that they ever had it until the appearance of Uhthoff’s signSome people can be just fine taking a brisk walk in 90-degree weather, as long as they avoid the sun and drink cold beverages. Others start feeling symptoms at much lower temperatures and with much less activity.
Depending on the person, symptoms can range from annoying (such as tingling in the feet) or debilitating (such as crushing fatigue or severe weakness).
While all symptoms that are results of heat intolerance should resolve once body temperature returns to normal, this takes longer for some people.
Lesions on our nerves where demyelination has taken place slows the ability of the nerves to function, and heat further slows down nerve impulse transmission in demylinated regions. Even a very slight increase of as little as one-quarter to one-half a degree in the body’s core temperature is enough to cause symptoms of heat intolerance
For some people, heat intolerance can be debilitating enough that they are unable to function well at even slightly elevated temperatures and must consider moving to a cooler geographic location. Deaths have even been reported among people with MS who were sunbathing or relaxing in hot tubs and presumably lost the ability to get out of the heat.
Some people who are more sensitive to cold than to heat, and their symptoms - especially spasticity - worsen in cold temperatures. Some of us unlucky people with MS are sensitive to both cold and heat, usually with different symptoms appearing under different temperature extremes.
Swimming is one of the best exercises for MS because the water keeps your body temperature low. An expensive, but size-efficient, way to bring swimming into your home are endless pools. These pools are like a treadmill for swimmers.
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) has a program to distribute cooling devices to people in need. On their website you can learn more and apply for their program.(Yeah, I know, MS Societies are not in our good graces right now, but the MSSA does do a lot of good compared to the NMSS by far.)
To stay cool, try these at-home tips:
Neck Coolers: A small amount of water-absorbing crystals actually used to keep plants moist get sewn into strips of fabric. After the cooler is finished, you soak it in water for up to 60 minutes until the crystals turn into gel and then store it in the refrigerator. The neat thing about these is that you can “regenerate” them by soaking them for just a couple of minutes and popping them back on--even while you are outside.
Make your own neck coolers: http://www.ehow.com/how_2073447_make-neck-cooler.html
Blue Ice Packs: Uses the blue ice packs (sold in most department or house ware stores) designed to keep food in picnic baskets or coolers chilled. They are sold in packages of two. Freeze them overnight. Wrap one ice pack in a towel and lean against it in a chair; it immediately lowers your body temperature.
Washcloths: Try this simple trick: Take ordinary washcloths, wet them, wring out the excess water and put each one in an individual, resealable sandwich bag. Store several of these in the freezer to grab as you are going out the door. A wet washcloth held up to the face or draped along the back of your neck can keep you going for a while, even after it isn’t cold anymore.
Spray Bottles: Evian makes pressurized bottles of water in different sizes specifically for spraying on the face. You can store these in the fridge for a quick way to cool down. You can also try spritzing yourself with water using a clean bottle designed for misting plants.
Cooling Vests: You CAN make your own cooling vest if you like:
http://www.ehow.com/how_7209219_make-cooling-vest.html
If you DON'T like:
http://www.silvereagleoutfitters.com/
First and foremost, adjust your temperature requirements. You'll save tremendous money in cooling bills by wearing light and comfortable clothing around the house. Keep your thermostat set as high as possible for your comfort.
Avoid heating appliances. If you don't have to use the oven, stove, dishwasher or clothes drier during the heat of the day, don't. These can often dramatically increase the temperature in an area of your house.
Check all window and door seals. If your house has older windows, consider replacing them if you can afford the cost. If not, make sure they are all well-sealed.
Florescent light bulbs. Fluorescents' typically last longer, use less energy and are often cooler than incandescent bulbs.
Ceiling fans. Despite common belief, these actually don't do much in reducing the actual temperature in your home. But they do circulate the air and make the rooms they're in seem much cooler. Ceiling fans are often fairly inexpensive and easy to install and are well worth it in the summer heat.
Shade. Sunlight is the enemy to a cool home. Use dark curtains or blinds for windows, and don't open them during the heat of the day.