Do multiple sclerosis cause sensitivity issues?

Question

Hi doctor,

My brother was diagnosed with MS and struggles with weird pressure sensitivity in his hands. As a massage therapist, he cannot reliably gauge the force he is applying during treatments. These tactile inconsistencies are making his work dangerous. Are these touch-related challenges typical?

Please help me.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

It sounds like your brother is dealing with some tough challenges related to his MS (multiple sclerosis). Yes, touch-related issues, including abnormal pressure sensitivity or difficulty gauging force, can be fairly common in people with MS. This happens because MS can interfere with the sensory pathways in the nervous system, leading to altered or inconsistent sensory experiences, including touch and pressure perception. This could make it harder for him to judge how much pressure he is applying during a massage, which can be problematic both for him and his clients.

The unpredictability of his tactile sense is due to how MS affects the nervous system's ability to relay accurate information about the body’s position and the pressure being applied. For a massage therapist, this is understandably a significant challenge.

It might be useful for him to consult with his neurologist or an occupational therapist. They may be able to help with strategies to manage these sensory difficulties, or possibly even assistive tools that could help him continue his work safely. Depending on the severity, adjustments to his treatment techniques or workload might also be helpful.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.