Heat Sensitivity & Multiple Sclerosis

instructions on filing a health insurance appeal or exception request, as well as a sample cooling equipment appeal letter.If you are unable to get cooling equipment through health insurance, connect with an MS Navigator to explore resources.Companies that supply cooling equipment with discount codes include:" c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

MS symptoms that worsen with heat and humidity include:

Blurred vision
Cognitive difficulties such as problems with attention and concentration
Fatigue or reduced energy
Muscle weakness
Numbness in the arms and legs
Slowed reaction times
Tremor

Activities such as sunbathing, exercising and taking very hot showers or baths may affect your MS symptoms. Usually, heat only worsens symptoms temporarily. It does not cause more disease activity or additional damage. Symptoms should improve after you cool down.

Strategies for Staying Cool

While the temperature is hot outside, these strategies can help you stay cool:

Remain in an air-conditioned environment during periods of extreme heat and humidity. With a prescription, the cost of an air conditioner may be tax deductible.
Wear lightweight, loose and breathable clothing.
Drink cold fluids and eat popsicles.
Exercise in a cool environment or pool (under 85 degrees) and at cooler times of day.
Try cooling down before and after exercising to decrease the exercise's heating effects. To do this, get into a bathtub of tepid water and continue adding cooler water over a period of 20 to 30 minutes.

Cooling Equipment To Lessen the Effects of Heat

To help with the heat-related effects of MS, some companies have designed cooling garments and equipment. These can include misters, cooling vests, hats or caps, and wrist, ankle or neck wraps.To select the right products for your needs, consider:

What is the cooling garment made of?
What is its total cooling time?
What is the garment’s weight? Is it designed to fit under or over regular clothing?
What is the method of cooling? For example, is it ice or gel packs, evaporative cooling or phase change?
Which works best in your specific climate?
Will your health insurance cover this item?

Covering the Cost of Cooling Equipment

If your health insurance covers cooling vests or equipment, it will typically be under the durable medical equipment benefit. If your insurer denies the initial request, view instructions on filing a health insurance appeal or exception request, as well as a sample cooling equipment appeal letter.If you are unable to get cooling equipment through health insurance, connect with an MS Navigator to explore resources.Companies that supply cooling equipment with discount codes include:

MS symptoms that worsen with heat and humidity include:

Blurred vision
Cognitive difficulties such as problems with attention and concentration
Fatigue or reduced energy
Muscle weakness
Numbness in the arms and legs
Slowed reaction times
Tremor

Strategies for Staying Cool

While the temperature is hot outside, these strategies can help you stay cool:

Remain in an air-conditioned environment during periods of extreme heat and humidity. With a prescription, the cost of an air conditioner may be tax deductible.
Wear lightweight, loose and breathable clothing.
Drink cold fluids and eat popsicles.
Exercise in a cool environment or pool (under 85 degrees) and at cooler times of day.
Try cooling down before and after exercising to decrease the exercise's heating effects. To do this, get into a bathtub of tepid water and continue adding cooler water over a period of 20 to 30 minutes.