Summer heat can cause the recurrence of MS symptoms

DALLAS, June 22 (UPI) — Summer heat can cause the recurrence of MS symptoms for people with multiple sclerosis, a U.S. neurologist warns.

“Heat — whether from infection, air temperature, prolonged exercise or even consuming hot liquids or foods — can provoke the return of old MS-related symptoms such as numbness, stiffness, weakness or even vision loss,” Dr. Elliot Frohman, director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program and the MS Clinical Center at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, says in a statement.

Researchers found the heat can slow down the speed of nerve messages for people with MS but heat alone does not cause a new attack or any additional nerve damage, Frohman says.

“Most patients can manage their heat sensitivity by avoiding situations that could be dangerous such as being out in severe heat without assistance, taking hot baths or showers, ingesting ice-cold beverages and, in some cases, drinking hot liquids like coffee and tea,” Frohman adds

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