Are you experiencing temperature confusion where hot feels cold and cold feels hot?
Yes, this is a recognized symptom in MS called altered sensations or paresthesias. MS damages the nerve fibers that carry sensory information between your brain and spinal cord, which can cause your nerves to send random or confused signals Show Full Answer
Are you experiencing temperature confusion where hot feels cold and cold feels hot?
Yes, this is a recognized symptom in MS called altered sensations or paresthesias. MS damages the nerve fibers that carry sensory information between your brain and spinal cord, which can cause your nerves to send random or confused signals to your brain.
Your brain might interpret these mixed-up signals as sensations that aren't actually occurring, like confusing hot for cold or vice versa. This happens because the protective layer around nerve cells (myelin) gets damaged, disrupting how temperature information travels through your nervous system.
Common temperature-related altered sensations include:
- Feeling warmth when something is actually cold
- Feeling cold when something is warm
- Sudden sensations of heat or burning
- Feeling like warm fluid is moving through your body
A MyMSTeam member described similar experiences with temperature confusion, noting how MS can scramble these sensory signals before they properly register.
If these sensations are bothersome or affecting your daily life, it's worth discussing with your neurologist. They can help determine if medication or other strategies might help manage these confusing temperature sensations.
March 30
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