Ask the Expert – Temperature Dysregulation

Featuring Marie Namey, RN, MSN, MSCN
Mellen Center for MS Treatments & Research, Cleveland, OH

Question: I find that I am often hot, then cold, then hot again. It seems my internal thermostat is messed up and I am well past menopause. Is this caused by MS and why?

Answer: You are not alone in experiencing these symptoms. We often hear from our patients that they feel hot or cold for “no good reason.”

The medical term is “temperature dysregulation,” meaning that it’s difficult for the body to maintain normal temperatures and results in periods of feeling hot or cold when there has been no change in the actual temperature indoors or outdoors. MS can cause temperature dysregulation. This temperature dysregulation can also make MS patients susceptible to extreme hot or cold.

Some individuals with MS may have impairment of autonomic functions, the functions that are not thought about consciously for the systems to work. Autonomic dysfunction develops when the nerves are damaged. Interestingly in a recent “Patients Like Me” survey, 69% of patients with MS who replied said that their temperature dysregulation is severe or moderately severe.

Also to avoid attributing every symptom to MS you should be checked for other causes of your symptoms such as anemia, thyroid disease, poor circulation, malnutrition, diabetes, or vitamin deficiencies. I always recommend regular health checkups and open dialogue with your MS health care provider and primary care provider.

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When You Have MS, You Can’t Live Without…

Recently, our friends at Healthline.com asked a question to individuals with MS:

When you have MS, what is the ONE thing you cannot live without?

Healthline collected responses from various bloggers and MS community members to compose an article of the many ways people with MS are able to overcome challenges thanks to their strong support systems. Take a look at the ways these individuals stay motivated during tough times, and what helps them remain positive in the face of adversity. Some examples include family, friends, the outdoors, wheelchairs, and even MSAA! Read more examples here. What is something you can’t live without since your diagnosis?

P.S. – You may recognize a few names – MSAA clients Cathy, Sara, and Simone from our Changing Lives Monday to Sunday video offered their insight to Healthline as well!

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