Underlying Causes of MCS
I happen to have tested positive to allergy tests for fragrance chemicals, but not everyone who has MCS is "allergic" to perfume. A person can have MCS and not have a true allergy to fragrance chemicals. The real cause of MCS is an underlying condition called "myalgic encephalomyelitis," sometimes called "chronic fatigue syndrome," though CFS is just one manifestation of M.E. Fibromyalgia is another, and "infectious venulitis" is another. And all of these have yet another common underlying cause, mitral valve prolapse, a chronic but often unrecognized heart valve problem. Doctors who recognize MCS to be a legitimate illness do not really understand the connection yet, but they know that it exists. I have had this "leaky valve" problem since age six. In the past, doctors have dismissed it as something that is little more than a nuisance that is often outgrown, but they are now finding that even after the heart murmur lessens, individuals are much more inclined to have environmental issues than other people are.
Another underlying cause, which often presents itself with both MVP and MCS, is Wilson's Syndrome, a thyroid disorder, characterized by low-body temperature. So, anyway, I could go around saying that I have "myalgic encepholomyelitis, infectious venulitis, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, mitral valve prolapse, and Wilson's syndrome," but I don't like unnecessary "disease labels," and it's easier to say, "I'm allergic to perfume." For the most part, I have been able to correct my "chronic fatigue," "fibromyalgia," "infectious venulitis," and "Wilson's syndrome" symptoms by attention to nutrition, and I am left with mainly the...
Myalgic encephalomyelitis--a chronic inflammation of the brain stem and nervous system. It is this chronic brain stem inflammation that causes most of my symptoms and seizures. Since the brain stem is located just behind the nose, exposure to strong air-borne chemicals can cause the brain stem to swell quickly, which can induce a potentially fatal brain stem stroke and/or seizure, often accompanied by vertigo, paralysis, and difficulty in speech. Some patients, myself included, may enter what is called a "locked in" state, being able to take in stimuli but unable to respond. And since communication between the brain and the brain stem is responsible for continued heartbeat and breathing, it is not uncommon for both to stop during a brain stem stroke.
In order to avoid these serious reactions, it is important to understand the underlying causes, particularly M.E., and try to give strict attention to a lifestyle that will minimize symptoms, even in the early stages.
© Dorothy Herrmann 2010
