Not knowing can make matters worse, addinganxiety and depressionto the long list of possible symptoms.
However, this doesn’t mean that all symptoms will disappear.
In addition, the current attack must be separated from a prior attack by at least 30 days.
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When Symptoms Aren’t Due to a Relapse
Not all flare-ups mean that your disease is progressing.
Once your body temperature returns to normal, the neurological symptoms subside.
Infections and physical or emotional stress are also common causes of pseudo exacerbations.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
The same applies to paroxysmal symptoms of MS. Paroxysmal symptoms may occur as a one-off event or repeat in cycles over the course of hours or days.
In some cases, the recurrent symptoms may take months to fully resolve.
But even recurrent symptoms like these don’t constitute a relapse.
Like the disease itself, the symptoms of MS are often erratic and unpredictable.
Even with the relapse criteria mentioned above, healthcare providers sometimes have a hard time distinguishing the difference.
It’s not always necessary to have an MRI.
Treatment
Many relapse symptoms can be treated with high-dose corticosteroids, usuallySolu-Medrol (methylprednisolone).
Even if there is evidence of relapse, your healthcare provider may still not recommend treatment.
Fatigue or mild sensory changes that dont impact your life can often be left to resolve on their own.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Kalincik T.Multiple Sclerosis Relapses: Epidemiology, Outcomes and Management.
Case report.Colombian Journal of Anesthesiology.
2018;7(5):213220.
Published 2018 Mar 23. doi:10.9740/mhc.2017.09.213
