Stress Makes MS Worse

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A new study confirms what many multiple sclerosis patients already believe -- stressful events make their symptoms worse.

Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, say despite the fact that most MS patients believe this theory, most caregivers and academics are skeptical. The researchers analyzed data from 14 trials of stress and MS, and they discovered a modest -- but significant -- risk of exacerbation of symptoms after non-traumatic stressful life events, such as job stress or financial problems.

MS symptoms vary from patient to patient, and they can include: loss of function or feeling in the limbs, loss of bowel or bladder control, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, double vision, loss of balance, pain, and loss of cognitive functioning. Authors of the study say one of the problems with MS is the sudden onslaught of symptoms, which sometimes appear suddenly within 24 hours of an exacerbating event.

The researchers conclude that no specific stressful triggers can yet be linked to exacerbations. However, they say the stressful events that lead to symptoms are typically non-traumatic. Past studies have shown that life-threatening stresses actually reduce exacerbations.

The study’s authors say their findings should not be misconstrued to infer that patients are responsible for their symptom flair-ups. Instead, the researchers hope these findings will open investigations into new avenues of managing multiple sclerosis, either through stress management or through treatments of physical responses to stress.

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

SOURCE: British Medical Journal, published online March 18, 2004