How do I know if I'm having a MS relapse? (2023)

What is classed as a MS relapse?

A relapse is defined by "the appearance of new symptoms, or the return of old symptoms, for a period of 24 hours or more – in the absence of an infection or a change in your core body temperature. On top of that, 30 days must've passed since your last relapse or flare up of symptoms.

Between 8 and 9 of every 10 people with MS are diagnosed with the relapsing remitting type. Someone with relapsing remitting MS will have episodes of new or worsening symptoms, known as relapses. These typically worsen over a few days, last for days to weeks to months, then slowly improve over a similar time period.

These attacks or relapses of MS typically reach their peak within a few days at most and then resolve slowly over the next several days or weeks so that a typical relapse will be symptomatic for about eight weeks from onset to recovery.

Numbness or Tingling

Numbness is one of the most common signs of a multiple sclerosis relapse. You can lose so much feeling that it's hard to use your hands or other affected body parts. You might not be able to write or hold a coffee cup. If numbness is new or getting worse, it's time to call your doctor.

An “average” number of lesions on the initial brain MRI is between 10 and 15. However, even a few lesions are considered significant because even this small number of spots allows us to predict a diagnosis of MS and start treatment.

It's also common early on in the disease to experience long intervals between relapses. Later, as MS progresses, people may have difficulty with tremors, coordination, and walking. They may find that their relapses become more frequent, and that they are less able to recover from them.

Tingling or numbness anywhere on the body. Brain fog, or difficulty thinking. Muscle spasms. Depression.

Some relapses are treated with a high dose course of corticosteroids, taken over a period of 3 to 5 days. These steroid treatments are typically administered in a hospital or infusion center. In some cases, they can be taken at home. Plasma exchange may also be used if symptoms aren't responding to steroids.

They ease your symptoms more quickly than if you just did nothing. But these medications don't affect the long-term course of your MS. Even if you take steroids, you'll recover from your flare gradually. It may take up to 6 months to get back to how you normally feel.

How long can MS stay in remission?

A remission can last for weeks, months, or, in some cases, years. But remission doesn't mean you no longer have MS. MS medications can help reduce the chances of developing new symptoms, but you still have MS. Symptoms will likely return at some point.

In summary, people with progressive MS can and do have attacks (relapses), albeit infrequently, and develop new spots (or lesions) on MRI. Both relapses and new lesions are types of disease activity.

When the condition rapidly progresses, it is known as an acute form of the condition called fulminant multiple sclerosis. This condition is sometimes referred to as Marburg-type MS . This disorder causes destruction of the coating (myelin) that surrounds and protects nerve fibers (axons).

Ways to Treat a Flare-Up

Treating symptoms can shorten your flare-ups and help you recover faster. The goal is to bring down the inflammation that caused your symptoms. Your doctor will likely prescribe a steroid drug. Steroids curb inflammation and can help you get over a relapse faster.

Tingling or numbness anywhere on the body. Brain fog, or difficulty thinking. Muscle spasms. Depression.