'Extreme heat can trigger underlying diseases'

Among the most vulnerable are individuals with multiple sclerosis, say medical experts

- Waad Barakat

Soaring temperatures can set off a range of medical conditions, other than sunstroke or dehydration, that remain dormant or manageable in cooler weather.

From neurological flare-ups to cardiovascular strain, doctors say intense heat can act as a powerful trigger, unmasking symptoms in people who may not even know they're at risk.

Among the most vulnerable are individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological condition that affects the central nervous system and has no known cure. It’s estimated that 19 out of every 100,000 people in the UAE live with MS, and for them, the heat can be deeply disruptive. “Studies show that between 60 and 80 per cent of people with multiple sclerosis experience a worsening of symptoms such as fatigue, mobility issues and visual disturbances when body temperature rises,” said Professor Anu Jacob, director of multiple sclerosis and autoimmune neurology at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and member of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Medical Advisory Committee. “This is worse in those with pre-existing impairment.”