Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms & Winter

Multiple sclerosis patients usually experience a greater number of relapses in the coldest and warmest months of the year. Both extreme cold and extreme heat can worsen existing symptoms and produce new symptoms.

Effects

Moderate cooling, such as air conditioning during the summer, can improve multiple sclerosis symptoms. However, extremely cold winter weather can cause fatigue, loss of strength, difficulty walking, rigidity, stiffness and numbness.

Dual Response

Winter weather can temporarily worsen one symptom while improving another symptom. This effect is called a dual response. It also can worsen current symptoms while causing new ones to appear.

Additional Effects

A multiple sclerosis patient may experience loss of bladder or bowel control during winter and summer, but not at other times of the year. Additionally, abnormal skin sensations can occur, such as burning or prickling.

Prevention/Solution

When possible, multiple sclerosis patients should avoid spending time outdoors when the weather is extremely cold. Some patients choose to move to a different climate, but health care practitioners caution that the person should spend some time there before moving to make sure the change is beneficial.

Considerations

Multiple sclerosis patients must take care not to overdress in winter and not to keep their homes and vehicles overly warm. Becoming too warm can worsen existing symptoms and cause new ones to appear.

References

• Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter: Northern Colorado Edition
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society