Abnormal Skin Sensations With Multiple Sclerosis

Understanding Abnormal Skin Sensations With MS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. The immune system attacks the protective covering (myelin sheath) around the nerves, which can lead to communication problems between the brain and rest of the body. This disruption in nerve signaling causes an array of unpredictable physical and mental symptoms.

One of the common sensory symptoms people with MS experience is abnormal skin sensations. These odd and often uncomfortable feelings are caused by lesions in the brain and spinal cord. The location and severity of these lesions determines the type and intensity of sensations.

Why Nerve Damage Causes Weird Skin Feelings

Nerves allow the brain to communicate with all parts of the body, including the skin. They form a complex network of pathways that relay sensory information back to the brain. When myelin or nerves become damaged, these pathways get interrupted or mixed up. This leads to incorrect and exaggerated signals being sent to the brain.

For example, someone may feel cold water running down their leg even when nothing is touching the skin. Or they may have tingling, burning, itching or numbness in isolated body parts. These abnormal skin sensations are called paresthesias or dysesthesias in medical terminology.

MS Skin Symptoms Vary Greatly

MS is different for every person, as are the associated skin sensations. While prickling or pins-and-needles feelings are most common, the type, location, frequency and intensity of symptoms vary.

Some people have mild tingling that comes and goes, while others deal with painful burning sensations daily. The abnormal feelings may be transient or long-lasting. For many with MS, the skin symptoms flare up during relapses then improve for periods.

What Causes Weird Skin Sensations With MS?

Doctors aren't always sure what causes someone to feel water trickling down their leg or bugs crawling on their skin when nothing is there. The mechanism behind these phantom sensations involves lesions in the central nervous system:

• Inflammatory damage to myelin along the sensory nerves
• Scarring lesions on the sensory pathways in the spinal cord
• Plaques in certain sensory areas of the brain

When myelin is lost on peripheral sensory nerves, it interrupts the signals getting sent to the brain. If there is scarring in the spinal cord sensory tracts, it essentially scrambles the messages. Lesions in the thalamus or sensory processing areas of the brain also play a role in creating false perceptions.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

A common form is trigeminal neuralgia, which causes shooting facial pain or electric shock sensations. It's due to damaged myelin on the trigeminal nerves carrying sensation from the face to the brainstem.

Lhermitte's Sign

Some people with MS experience Lhermitte's sign, which is a sudden electric-like shock running down the back and limbs upon bending the neck. It's caused by lesions in the cervical spinal cord disrupting sensory signals.

Treatments For Abnormal Skin Sensations

While there is no cure for MS, several therapies can help minimize uncomfortable skin symptoms:

Medications

Anti-seizure drugs like gabapentin or certain antidepressants may reduce tingling, burning and aching from damaged sensory nerves. Topical numbing creams offer relief too.

Alternative Therapies

Massage, acupuncture, meditation, yoga and mindfulness training can help calm the nervous system and restore healthy nerve functioning.

Electrical Stimulation

Trans-spinal direct current stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation use electrodes to modify nerve signals and provide pain relief.

Lifestyle Measures

Getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising, and effectively managing stress can prevent MS flare-ups that worsen skin symptoms.

When To See A Doctor

In most cases, abnormal skin sensations are merely annoying rather than dangerous for those with MS. But certain types warrant medical care right away, including:

• Widespread tingling or numbness that spreads rapidly
• Sudden loss of sensation in the limbs
• Intense burning pain unresponsive to self-care measures

Seeking prompt treatment for flare-ups can minimize nerve damage and prevent severe symptoms from developing.

Living with MS is challenging enough without strange and uncomfortable skin sensations complicating matters. Getting the right diagnosis and tailored treatment plan makes a tremendous difference in managing symptoms. Working closely with your healthcare providers and learning various self-care techniques allows you to take back control so you can fully participate in life.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.