Does anyone experience hot flashes or BP problems with MS?

[BOK2Bjan]

Sorry to ask again, but I am trying to determine if these symptoms are from my MS. Every doctor says ask the other doctors. I'm just wanting to know if any autonomic nervous system dysfunction has been experienced by any other MS patients. I realize it could be a separate disorder. Thanks.

[supermum_ms]

Hi, i was really hoping you'd hear by now from one of our MSers who have their autonomic issues identified as being caused by their MS, i'm really sorry they haven't responded.....

Autonomic dysfunction is definitely an MS issue, because of the nature of MS there are various issues that are classed as Autonomic dysfunctions.....I wrote this in another AD topic thread back in 2013, it's just one of our related discussions that you might find helpful;

"You'd think autonomic dysfunctions would be more commonly seen by MS specialists, especially considering gastrointestinal issues of MSers being so common within the community, though not sure cardio issues are as common but i thought it was still quite recognised in MS. I did find this comment interesting

"The most common autonomic symptoms in MS are disorders of micturation, impotence, sudomotor and gastrointestinal disturbances, orthostatic intolerance as well as sleep disorders. " published in the neurology journal 2006

Not sure if you've read this 20011 article called "Autonomic disorders in Multiple Sclerosis"  http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ad/2011/803841/ only bringing it to your attention because it specifically discusses both the issues you've mentioned and might lead to more info :o)

I do find autonomic dysfunctions to be fascinating but a tad confusing, i have more than a few but thankfully none as scary as whats going on with your heart. I'm "tootling along" as my son like to say, if you do ever get your hands on an answer, please let us know!

HUGS...........JJ"
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/MS-and-autonomic-dysfunction/show/1896930

*whilst i was trying to find some of the related information i have collected i came across this one too...

"Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating inflammatory disorder, presumed to be of autoimmune etiology. Autonomic dysfunction (AD) is commonly seen in patients with MS. The most common manifestations of the AD in patients with MS include bladder dysfunction, sleep disturabances, sweating, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disturbances. Another common symptom seen in patients of MS is fatigue. Orthostatic dizziness (OD) has been reported to occur in up to 50% of MS patients (1-4). Autonomic dysfunction has an important impact on the disability that patients with MS experience and can substantially restrict the activities of daily living in these individuals.

Autonomic dysfunction in patients with MS is felt to occur because of involvement of several critical pathways of autonomic nervous system, including the brain stem, spinal cord, hypothalamus and cerebral cortex. Demyelinating plaques may disrupt reflex pathways in the insular, cingulated and ventromedial prefrontal cortices, central nucleus of the amygdala, paraventricular hypothalamus and the medulla. In addition there can be interference with the descending autonomic nervous system pathways during their course in the brainstem or spinal cord (6). Although orthostatic dizziness has been commonly seen in patients of MS, to date there have been no studies or reports on the occurrence of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) in patients with MS. We report on a series of nine MS patients with POTS."
http://www.medsci.org/v07p0062.htm
[note additional research papers listed after that quote]

Hope that helps..........JJ

[BOK2Bjan]

Thank you so much for answering! I've been on this forum for years, but the "new" format makes things more difficult - maybe just on my phone? Anyway, I appreciate the information.

Since I've had MS for quite a while, and it's become secondary progressive - I thought I understood what was and wasn't part of it. But I have so many other disorders, it's almost impossible to sort it out! Figuring out where to get help with the symptoms is VERY frustrating!

I'm great at ignoring most health problems - at least those I feel are things that I have to put up with - knowing there's nothing that can be done about it. But some symptoms are more concerning - especially since cardiomegaly was recently discovered. Systemic Sclerosis might be to blame for that - from pulmonary hypertension. But the palpitations and BP craziness - not so sure. I see my cardiologist next week, and wanted to have info on what MS might have to do with all this.

I'm still walking though! Back problems and osteoporosis create the most problems with that, but MS is taking my right leg! It's so weak, has foot drop, and I've lost feeling (other than painful spasticity) from the knee down. But I feel very thankful to be able to get around and enjoy my family and friends!

Thanks again for your help! Blessings to you!