MSWA Bulletin Magazine Summer 2018

THERMOREGULATION
SANDRA WALLACE, MSWA MANAGER STRATEGIC SUPPORT SERVICES AND PROJECTS
Regulation of the body temperature is controlled by the
autonomic nervous system. Impairments of this mechanism
may occur in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The
following discussion may assist those who experience heat
sensitivity during the summer months, and at any time when
the surrounding temperatures are elevated.
The incidence of impaired thermoregulation in people with
MS is reported to be between 60% and 90%. This condition
presents as inappropriate increases, or decreases, in body
temperature. People with MS can be adversely affected by
small changes in internal and external temperatures. An
increase in the core temperature of people with MS causes
reduced nerve conduction velocity. Even small elevations
in temperature may aggravate existing MS symptoms
temporarily until the core temperature has reduced.
Symptoms should return to the baseline within 30 minutes if
the cause of the temperature increase has been eliminated.
Symptoms which persist for 24 hours or more may be related
to a coincidental MS relapse and people with MS should seek
medical advice if they are concerned.
Symptoms may include blurred vision, change in sensory
symptoms, decreased strength and fatigue.
Increases in temperature may occur during or following:
• Exercise – with or without increased air temperature
• A hot shower or bath
• Infection or illness causing an increase in body temperature
• Driving in a hot car during summer without air conditioning
• Sitting in a hot, humid room with little air flow
• Sitting quietly in a heated room during winter
• Sitting in a hot bath
Strategies to minimise symptoms due to an increase in
core temperature:
• Exercise in a cool environment – consider the time of day,
temperature of the pool water 27 degrees
• Use a fan or air conditioning in the home and/or car
• Exercise regularly for short periods, change the intensity of
the exercise program
• Maintain hydration by drinking cool water before, during
and after exercise plus ice cold water drinks when hot
• Wear a cooling neck tie around the neck
• Wear a cooling vest before or during exercise (see link below)
• Wear loose, light clothing
• Cool down with a cool shower after exercise
• Do not exercise when unwell
• Assess your air conditioning needs before summer and
update your home unit if required – refrigerated air
conditioning is the most effective (see link below for Energy
Subsidy Scheme)
Air Conditioning
MSWA can assist Members on low incomes with funding
towards the purchase of an air conditioner for their home,
where they do not currently have one. This funding is made
available through the generosity of a Lotterywest grant.
Be aware, reverse cycle air conditioning is more effective
than evaporative air conditioning.
For further information about the grants, and
eligibility, contact the MSWA Social Welfare Department
on 9365 4835.
The Thermoregulatory Subsidy
To access the subsidy, the impact of heat must be significant,
and the applicant must hold a pensioner concession card,
health care card or health care interim voucher. This subsidy
is $709/annum as at 1 September 2018 and is paid into
your personal account through the Department of Treasury
and Finance. It will contribute towards the costs associated
with higher-than-normal power usage when running an air
conditioner. Payment is made annually, and reapplication is
required every two years. Your treating doctor must complete
the forms.
For further information and application forms please
contact the Social Welfare department on 9365 4835 or
they can be obtained online at:
https://www.finance.wa.gov.au/cms/uploadedFiles/_State_
Revenue/Other_Schemes/Thermoregulatory_Dysfunction_
Application_Form.pdf
Alternatively, you can phone the Energy Subsidies
Enquiry Line on 9262 1373
Cooling Garments
Cooling garments are soaked with water and help to cool the
body through the skin and blood circulation. They may be
cooled in the refrigerator or simply kept moist for effective
cooling. Some cooling vests have inserts that are put in the
freezer to cool. Products include neck ties and vests. Further
information is available from the MSWA Physiotherapy or
Occupational Therapy staff on 9365 4888.
Arctic Heat Cooling Vest Coolinit
www.arcticheat.com.au www.coolinit.com.au
Email admin@articheat.com.au Telephone: 9248 5355
or Free call: 1800 88 00 67
References:
MS Practice 2009. For Health Professionals MS Australia June 2009
M. Sylvester: Benefits and Strategies of Exercise Prescription for
PwMS. MS Society of WA 2010
• Check the air conditioning in your car before summer
• Park car in shade, allowing for shift of sun over time
• Consider using thermoregulatory bedding (available through
Pelican Manufacturing or Nikki G’s) if sleep is affected.
Some people find bamboo sheets are also effective
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