Understanding Multiple Sclerosis Flare-Ups: Symptoms & Management

Relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis is characterized by neurological symptoms that come and go (relapse/remit). Flare-ups (also known as exacerbations) can be mild or severe and vary greatly from incident to incident and from person to person.

Identification

• Flare-ups can feature a new symptom or the worsening of an existing symptom but must last at least 24 hours to be considered a true exacerbation. Most flare-ups last a few days or weeks but can last for several months.

Prevention/Solution

• When new or worsening symptoms are noticed, rest is the best way to prevent further worsening of symptoms. Going to a cooler location can also provide relief. Severe exacerbations are treated with steroids.

Misconceptions

• Some people attempt to compensate for arm or leg weakness by exercising the affected limb. This is ineffective because the problem is with the nerve, not with the muscle.

Types

• Examples of common flare-up symptoms include: vision problems, fatigue or weakness, muscle stiffness, poor balance, tingling or numbness and bowel or bladder problems.

Effects

• Flare-ups can signify disease progression as more areas of the nervous system are effected. New symptoms can linger in a mild or severe form and effect function.

Expert Insight

• The National Multiple Sclerosis Society strongly recommends beginning treatment as soon as a diagnosis is made, which is often after the first flare-up of symptoms. Starting disease-modifying drugs early can slow the progression of the disease and possibly prevent future flare-ups and disability.