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are chills MS

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
August 2
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Answer Summary

Members discussed whether chills are related to MS, with several sharing that temperature swings, including feeling cold in hot weather, are a... Read more

Members discussed whether chills are related to MS, with several sharing that temperature swings, including feeling cold in hot weather, are a common MS experience. One member noted their neurologist linked the issue to a lesion in the hypothalamus, which controls temperature regulation, while another suggested ruling out infection as a possible cause. A recurring theme was the unpredictability of temperature sensitivity with MS, leaving many caught between feeling too hot and too cold.

A MyMSTeam Member

Hey I’m ok, how about you? It’s way too hot there isn’t it? we’ve had heat waves for two months now, officially in a drought. Crazy times

August 2
A MyMSTeam Member

@A MyMSTeam Member I swing between chills and too hot, never seem to be just right! I often have a blanket when others are in shorts. My neurologist says it’s due to lesion in my hypothalamus, can’t regulate temperature. Take care 🤗💜

August 2
A MyMSTeam Member

I guess it could be temperature dis regulation cause by ms. If this is new , make sure you don’t have an infection as that could cause chills as well. I wish you the best !!

August 2
MyMSTeam

Can chills be a symptom of MS? Yes, they can be — though it's not always straightforward.

MS can cause cold sensitivity, which means feeling unusually cold or getting chills even when the temperature around you hasn't changed. This happens because MS damages the myelin (the protective coating around nerves), which can Show Full Answer

Can chills be a symptom of MS? Yes, they can be — though it's not always straightforward.

MS can cause cold sensitivity, which means feeling unusually cold or getting chills even when the temperature around you hasn't changed. This happens because MS damages the myelin (the protective coating around nerves), which can cause nerves to send scrambled signals to the brain — including false sensations of cold. Lesions in the hypothalamus — the part of the brain that regulates body temperature — are thought to play a big role. If that area is damaged, the brain may struggle to keep the body warm properly.

Cold sensitivity can trigger or worsen other MS symptoms, including:

- Fatigue
- Muscle stiffness or spasms
- Numbness and tingling
- Walking difficulties
- Cognitive changes

As one MyMSTeam member put it, *"My body seems no longer able to regulate my internal temperature."*

If chills or cold sensitivity are becoming a problem, it's worth bringing it up with your neurology team — they can help figure out the best way to manage it.

August 2
A MyMSTeam Member

No

August 3

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