Can you experience severe pressure from the middle of your forehead to below your ribs with MS hug?
The MS hug typically causes tightness or pressure anywhere between the neck and waist. It can be felt on one or both sides of the body and ranges from mild discomfort to intense pain that makes breathing difficult.
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Can you experience severe pressure from the middle of your forehead to below your ribs with MS hug?
The MS hug typically causes tightness or pressure anywhere between the neck and waist. It can be felt on one or both sides of the body and ranges from mild discomfort to intense pain that makes breathing difficult.
Some MyMSTeam members describe it as:
- "It feels like a boa constrictor tightening around me"
- "An elephant on my chest"
- "A tightening pressure in my abdomen that's sometimes so intense it takes my breath away"
The MS hug is caused by nerve damage or muscle spasms in the small intercostal muscles between the ribs. Common triggers include heat, stress, and exertion.
However, pressure starting at the forehead and extending down isn't a typical description of MS hug alone. Chest or abdominal pain can signal other serious conditions, so it's really important to describe all your symptoms to your doctor. They can rule out other medical issues like heart, lung, or gallbladder problems that can mimic MS hug symptoms.
Your neurologist can help determine what's causing your specific symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include seizure medications, antispasmodics, or other approaches.
January 3
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