Is this sensation of my tongue burning related to multiple sclerosis?

Question:
I was diagnosed with PPMS in 2009. In 2013 in began to have a sensation of a burning tongue. I don't know if this could be related to MS. Sometimes it burns so bad that I can't eat. This has been going off and on for approx. 3 yrs. any other possible causes have been ruled out. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:
Burning tongue syndrome is rarely caused by MS. This is more often caused by nutritional deficiencies, viral or fungal infections or medications. When MS causes a burning sensation in this region it is usually a burning mouth syndrome with involvement of tongue, buccal mucosa (inside mouth lining and gums) and lips.

Please see your doctor to make sure you do not have a treatable cause for a burning mouth. Most of the tests that need to be done to exclude nutritional deficiencies are not routine tests and may have never been done in your case.

​Good Luck

Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD
Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program
Professor of Clinical Neurosciences
University of California San Diego