abstract on cooling

May 25, 2002

Just browsing through some of the saved articles on my HD

(harddrive). The weather has been getting warmer, and for me that

is bad news. As uncomfortable as it is I puposely stay where my

arms show gooseflesh, because that is when I function optimally.

Have any similar studies been done with patients who have MSA? This

is why I feel somehow our lowered body temperature is just the attempt of

the body to survive the illness. I could really use one of those suits (I

can image the price tag.)

Effects Of Cooling In Multiple Sclerosis

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Coyle P K

J.Neuro.Rehab. Vol. 10 No. 1. 1996 p 9-15, pl7-21

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Abstract

Early this year, a study asked the following question: Are there

measurable Clinical and Immunological changes occurring

when the core temperature of the body was

cooled?

Eleven subjects with Relapsing/Remitting MS and Heat-Sensitivity, had

a 45 minute session with a cooling (1 & deg; drop in body temperature

at least) garment and a session with sham cooling in the

garment.

Immunological studies, Visual Acuity, Timed Walk, Muscle Strength and

Coordination were measured, one hour before and one hour after cooling.

Those action symptoms were improved significantly. The Cytokine types

and numbers (known to have an important role in MS exacerbations) were

also improved by cooling.

There is a possibility then, that cooling might have benefits beyond

symptomatic relief. A further study was able to show that the functional

improvements were not due to facilitation of Sensory or Cognitive

processes of the CNS.

The mechanism of action for the observed changes remains unknown. We

do know that Nerves that have lost their Myelin do not conduct as well

when the temperature is raised, so the reverse seems a

probability.

aletta mes

vancouver, bc Canada

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