[Debbie D]

Gosh, for the last week I've been in pain in my legs and arms...can't tell if it's fibro during the day or MS, but it's definitely MS during the night...all I want is a decent night's sleep. I think my daytime pain would lessen if I could get sleep at night.
I feel as if I'm in a Twilight Zone episode and can't get out...

[SallyC]

Like your siggy line says, Deb.. any change in the atmosphere or stars, changes our body's reaction as well...and MS doubles that!

[jackD]

I think our immune system increases to prepare us for the colds and flu of fall and winter. Gamma Interferon is a known "cause" of MS symptoms.

jackD


Neurology. 2002 Apr 9;58(7):1077-80.

Seasonal variation in immune measurements and MRI markers of disease activity in MS.

Killestein J, Rep MH, Meilof JF, Adèr HJ, Uitdehaag BM, Barkhof F, van Lier RA, Polman CH.

SourceDepartment of Neurology, VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. J.Killstein@vumc.edu

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The exact mechanisms by which T cells contribute to MS progression are not known. Recently, the results of cross-sectional studies suggested seasonal variation of both interferon (IFN)-gamma production and the number of active MRI lesions in MS.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether seasonal fluctuations of IFN-gamma and active MRI lesions could be confirmed and whether any correlations could be detected.

METHODS: Data were analyzed from a group of 28 MS patients in whom detailed longitudinal monitoring of both immune function and MRI measurements had taken place.

RESULTS: Significant seasonal variation was observed in T-cell activation as measured by the ability of T cells to secrete the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha and IFN-gamma.

Maximum values were found in samples obtained during autumn. Even though clear fluctuations were observed, no significant seasonal variation could be detected in the number of active MRI lesions. Fluctuations of in vitro IFN-gamma secretion correlated weakly with changes in active MRI lesions.

CONCLUSIONS: The finding of seasonal variation of immune function in serially MRI-monitored MS patients suggests an environmental role in T-cell activation.PMID: 11940696 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[SallyC]

Thanks Jack. Damn those T-Cells!!!!

[Debbie D]

Thanks...now-what do we do about the increased spasms besides swallow our meds & stretch?

[msarkie]

Oh dear, I was just glancing over thread titles and yours registered in my poor demyelinated brain as "Does Change of Seasons Mean More Sex?". I was thinking, hmm, I sure hope so!