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The symptoms of multiple sclerosis vary, depending on the weather
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
The clinical picture of multiple sclerosis appears more clearly with a sharp change in humidity and temperature of the environment.
In the body of people suffering from multiple sclerosis, there is an immune attack on the myelin neuronal sheath. Myelin separates the directions of neurons and stimulates the conduction of nerve impulses. When myelin is damaged, the conductivity of impulses worsens, neurons begin to die. The symptoms of the disease vary: in some patients, increased fatigue and deterioration of visual function dominate, while in others, coordination problems appear or urinary incontinence develops.
Since the causes of the disease have not yet been precisely determined, specialists attribute its development to genetic factors and environmental influences. At the same time, some external factors can not only contribute to the development of the pathology, but also increase its clinical manifestations.
Representatives of the University of Miami have noticed that the symptoms of multiple sclerosis manifest themselves more clearly or weaken under the influence of climate change. Scientists studied the medical records of several American hospitals and compared the attendance of patients with multiple sclerosis and the peculiarities of weather conditions. Changes in temperature, jumps in atmospheric pressure and air humidity were taken into account.
As a result, it was found that the clinical picture of the disease is more pronounced in early spring or late summer, and less intense symptoms are noted in winter. In territorial terms, the pathology is more often diagnosed in residents of the Pacific Northwest and Northeast of the United States, as well as in regions with a subtropical climate. With warming, the symptoms become more intense, which can explain the appearance of the Uthoff phenomenon: it is generally believed that this phenomenon is associated with the adverse effect of elevated temperatures on the conductivity of nerve fibers.
However, in addition to temperature, scientists have found that increased humidity is also involved in the worsening of symptoms. And the greatest number of visits to doctors were received during periods of sharp temperature changes - for example, when a strong nighttime cold snap is replaced by daytime heat.
Treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis today comes down to eliminating symptoms and establishing control over the pathology. Doctors recommend: in addition to the main therapy, it is necessary to take into account the climatic conditions in which the patient lives. Moreover, since the early stages of the disease are often asymptomatic, abrupt climatic changes can trigger the appearance of the first painful signs. To prevent this and delay the development of symptoms, it is necessary to provide gentle environmental conditions for people with a hereditary predisposition to the formation of multiple sclerosis.
Information is presented on the page of the journal International Journal of Environmental Research and Public HealthInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health