Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission for purchases made through links in this post, at no extra cost to you.
What's an MS Relapse?
An MS relapse - what exactly is it? You have symptoms with your multiple sclerosis, however, what distinguishes a symptom from a relapse? A few questions to ask yourself to see if you are having a relapse.
If you answered yes to most of these, then most likely you have suffered a relapse, attack, flare-up, or exacerbation. (All 3 are other names for a relapse and can be used interchangeably).
Criteria for an MS relapse
1 ~ Is the symptom new?
If the symptom you are experiencing is new, then you are probably experiencing an exacerbation. If this is the first time you've had numbness, or tingling, vision, bladder or bowel problems, then something has caused you to have a relapse. This is not the only time you may be having an attack.
2 ~ Did the new or old symptom come on suddenly?
Another question to ask yourself is how quickly you experienced the symptom. If it appeared suddenly, even if it was an old symptom, then you are possibly experiencing a relapse. Exacerbations come on very quickly, almost without warning. Although Cir and I can usually look back after the fact and figure out what brought it on.
3 ~ Is the symptom worse than before?
If the symptom is not new, is it worse than you've ever experienced it in the past? You may experience the same symptoms over and over with MS, but sometimes they may be milder. That is not a flare-up. If however, the symptom is much worse, then yes, you are having a flare-up.
4 ~ Did it last for 24 hrs or more?
A symptom lasting for only a few hours, maybe like fatigue or weakness, even if it comes on suddenly, is not an exacerbation. If however, the symptom is new or old and it lasts for at least 24 hours, then yes, that's a an MS relapse. You might even experience the same symptom for days, weeks, or even months.
Hopefully, you can get relief from any troubling symptoms with either rest, medication, or some other alternative treatment. Depending on the symptom, you may require hospitalization and maybe even therapy to help you overcome the effects.
5 ~ Have there been at least 30 days since last symptom?
Again, if the symptom is an old one, you may still be having a flare-up, if you have not experienced it for at least 30 days. You may have had this symptom years ago, yet now it's back with a vengeance. Unfortunately, this is an MS attack. Quite possibly, a nerve is being damaged more in the same spot it was initially.
So there you have it. Every symptom you experience is not classified as an exacerbation or relapse. Only those that meet the above criteria qualify to be counted as such.
Go to MS Symptoms from MS Relapse.
Dear Friends,
"Life in Spite of MS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We're also part of the Ebay Partner Network, another affiliate program."
We'd also like you to know it doesn't cost one cent more when you click through the links here on our blog. Not one single penny. And we will make a little extra cash when you do click through. We'll be ever so appreciative. You also have our word that we'll only link to things that we would use ourselves, (or wish we could have or use).
Sincerely,
Cir & Akrista
You are reading original content written by Akrista or Cir L'Bert of Life in Spite of MS. If you enjoyed reading this blog, please consider following us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. See you there!
Privacy Policy ~ Advertising Policy ~ Disclaimer ~ Contact Us ~ About Us
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.