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A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Forty Fort, PA

Has anyone ever been to the ER for the MS Hug and if so, what can they do to help?

December 31, 2016
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Answer Summary

Members shared personal experiences with the MS Hug, describing it as intense chest tightness that can feel like a heart attack, and many... Read more

Members shared personal experiences with the MS Hug, describing it as intense chest tightness that can feel like a heart attack, and many agreed that contacting a neurologist is the most important first step. Several members offered helpful relief strategies, including applying ice or a warm rice bag, sitting down to rest, drinking red clover tea, practicing slow nasal breathing, and medications like Baclofen or gabapentin. A recurring theme was the importance of ruling out other causes like heart issues before settling on an MS Hug diagnosis, and members offered warm reassurance that the symptom does eventually pass.

A MyMSTeam Member

Saw my neurologist this morning and he ordered a MRI of the thoracic region. Also raised my gabapentin to 800mg 4 times a day.

January 4, 2017
A MyMSTeam Member

Breathing in through the nose hold it then release. Not always helpful but better than going to the ER and having them look at you like you need Psych consult.. And I'm a retired nurse.😳

January 1, 2017
A MyMSTeam Member

Thank you both for your replies. I didn't think going to the ER would be much help. Luckily my next appointment with my neuro is this Wednesday.

January 1, 2017
A MyMSTeam Member

Disclaimer : Not a doctor just a person with MS.

If you think you’re having an MS hug, talk to your neurologist or primary doctor right away particularly if this is the first time that you believe to be experiencing this . The symptoms of a MS Hug can seem like those of a heart attack, so it’s important to make sure that’s not the case and to rule out any other causes of the pressure. Your doctor will most likely give you an MRI to look for other things, like gallbladder or lung disease. .

Diagnosing an MS HUG is not an exact science . Whether you go to an ER or contact your nuero or primary doctor tests will be performed to rule out any other possibility for the pressure before settling on it being a MS Hug symptom. Which way you proceed depends on your level of discomfort as well as what your Heath Insurance Plan covers.

January 3, 2017
A MyMSTeam Member

I have only gotten relief with Baclofen and my warmed rice bag.......those kind of hugs suck....sorry:(

January 2, 2017

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