That's quite a surprising experience — suddenly being able to handle the hottest peppers like a champ! What you're describing sounds like it could be related to altered sensations, which are very common with MS, affecting up to 80% of people.
MS can cause changes in how the nervous system processes sensory information Show Full Answer
That's quite a surprising experience — suddenly being able to handle the hottest peppers like a champ! What you're describing sounds like it could be related to altered sensations, which are very common with MS, affecting up to 80% of people.
MS can cause changes in how the nervous system processes sensory information, including taste and physical sensations in the mouth. This happens because MS lesions can interfere with the nerve signals that relay sensory information to the brain. A MyMSTeam member shared something similar, noting that MS made their sense of taste "wacky at times." Changes in taste and sensation can include:
- Reduced ability to detect heat or burning sensations
- Difficulty distinguishing tastes like salty, sweet, sour, or bitter
- A general dulling of sensory experiences in the mouth
These changes can be linked to the size and location of MS lesions in the brain. It's worth mentioning this to your neurologist, especially since it came on suddenly. Sudden sensory changes can sometimes signal a relapse or a shift in your MS activity. Tracking when it started, whether it's changed, and any other symptoms alongside it will be really helpful information for your doctor.
July 8