MS Relapse
- 1. Definition and further information
- 2. An episode of neurological symptoms that happens at least 30 days after any previous episode began, it is not caused by any infection or other cause and the symptoms last 24 hours or more (some neurologists might expect to last at least 48 hours) Known by other names such as an attack, exacerbation, flare-up, acute episode or clinical event
- 3. Symptoms develop over a period of days or weeks , followed by a period of stabilisation and improvement over a number of weeks or months Following recovery from a relapse, a person might be left with some residual problems (incomplete or partial recovery) or no symptoms (complete recovery)
- 4. If you develop new symptoms that have evolved over a few days or weeks, of the type commonly experienced in MS, it is likely you are having a relapse However, if you develop a recurrence of old symptoms or a worsening of longstanding symptoms that last only a few hours in duration, or vary on a day-to-day basis, it is much less likely to be due to a relapse
- 5. Contact MS nurse Inform about symptoms experiencing, how you are feeling in general and any difficulties you are having as a result of your symptoms Urine sample and blood test to check for infection Appointment to see neurologist consultant in view of treatment consideration
- 6. If your symptoms are making it difficult to carry on your normal day-to- day activities, it may be appropriate to consider referral to local rehabilitation services or even consider hospital admission If your symptoms are mild and not particularly troublesome, it is sometime best to wait for recovery to occur by itself If your symptoms are thought to be due to illness or stress, rather than a relapse, it is important to avoid treatment with steroids Treatment with steroids would be considered discussing with your consultant neurologist as it is important to appreciate that steroids do not alter the extent to which you recover from a relapse and declining treatment should not have a detrimental effect on your condition in the long-term If you have been having frequent and severe relapses you may benefit from disease modifying treatments (beta-interferons or glatiramer acetate). These drugs may reduce the number and severity of relapses
- 7. Questions?