MyMSTeam

Great question — and one that many people with MS deal with daily. MS can make you much more sensitive to heat than the average person. Even a tiny rise in core body temperature (as little as a quarter to half a degree) can temporarily worsen symptoms. This is called Uhthoff's phenomenon.

It happens because MS damages the Show Full Answer

Great question — and one that many people with MS deal with daily. MS can make you much more sensitive to heat than the average person. Even a tiny rise in core body temperature (as little as a quarter to half a degree) can temporarily worsen symptoms. This is called Uhthoff's phenomenon.

It happens because MS damages the protective coating around nerves (myelin). Without that coating, nerves become more vulnerable to temperature changes, slowing or even blocking the signals they send to the brain. Between 60% and 80% of people with MS experience heat sensitivity. Common symptoms triggered by heat include:

- Fatigue and brain fog
- Muscle weakness or spasticity
- Blurred vision
- Balance and coordination problems
- Difficulty concentrating

As one MyMSTeam member put it, hot days feel *"like trying to walk through Jell-O and everything hurts."* The good news is that heat-triggered symptoms are usually temporary — they typically ease once the body cools back down. Managing heat sensitivity is key, and strategies like cooling vests, staying in air-conditioned spaces, and avoiding peak heat hours can make a real difference.

It's always worth talking to your neurologist about a personalized plan for managing heat sensitivity.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

MS and Heat Sensitivity: 5 Ways To Manage (VIDEO)