Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms May Worsen With Higher Than Average Temperatures 

A preliminary study reveals that in months when the average environmental temperature was higher than the long-term average by 2 degrees Fahrenheit, people with multiple sclerosis (MS) had an increased rate of hospital service use. 
  
During periods of anomalously warm weather, among a cohort of106,225 people with MS, there was a 4% greater chance of having an emergency department visit compared with periods of normal weather. Also, during anomalously warm periods, there was a 3% increased chance of having an inpatient visit and a 1% increased chance of having an outpatient visit for these individuals. 

Researchers estimated that over the course of follow-up, periods of anomalously warm weather were associated with an estimated excess of at least 592 emergency department visits, 1,260 inpatient visits, and 1,960 outpatient visits related to MS. 

“We know that heat sensitivity is common in MS, and climate scientists expect that periods of anomalously warm weather will become more frequent with climate change,” said Holly Elser, PhD, Stanford University School of Medicine. “Our study suggests that warming trends could have serious health implications over the long term for people living with MS. While the relative increase in risk of visits is small, the associated absolute effect on people with MS and the healthcare system is meaningful.” 

These data come from review of insurance claims for 106,225 people with MS living across the US, and the study will be presented at the virtual American Academy of Neurology’s 73rd Annual Meeting in April.