ParoXysms - Facing MS symptoms from A to Z

Extreme and unpleasant, paroxysms tend to be part and parcel of life for many folks with multiple sclerosis.

What are paroxysms? Basically, these are sudden attacks or increases of certain symptoms. Paroxysms of MS might include

• balance problems
• extreme fatigue
• itching, burning, or numbness in seemingly random spots
• lack of coordination (especially dropping things)
• loss of bladder or bowel control
• mood swings
• muscle contractions
• sharp pains (especially in the neck or back or on one side of the face)
• spasticity
• speech difficulties (especially slurred words)
• swallowing problems
• tingling or twitching
• vision problems
• and more.

One of the most cryptic and seemingly inexplicable paroxysmal symptoms of MS is the onset of sudden body temperature fluctuations. Somewhat similar to menopausal hot flashes (but not likely to be hormonal in nature), these make the MSer feel as if his or her internal thermostat is altogether out of whack. The person may be hot, clammy, and sweating one moment – and shivering with cold soon afterwards. This may be wholly unrelated to the actual conditions around him or her.

Often, these sudden episodes are short-lived, although that may not always be the case. Such instances may be soon repeated, or they may return at some surprise occasion. Some MSers claim paroxysmal symptoms usually herald the pending arrival of MS exacerbations.

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Series title graphic adapted from public domain artwork.

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