An MS flare up, also known as an MS relapse or attack, is a worsening of existing symptoms or the sudden appearance of new ones due to the individual’s multiple sclerosis. Flare ups can vary dramatically in intensity, duration, and symptoms depending on the individual, but generally include some combination of even more significant physical limitations, range of motion issues, muscle spasticity, fatigue, cognitive impairments, and sensory changes.
This can include things such as muscle weakness and tightness, stiffness and painful spasms, blurred vision, dizziness, numbness or tingling, slurred speech, and difficulty thinking or concentrating.
But it’s important to note that MS flare ups can also involve other problems such as difficulty walking, bladder and bowel issues, depression, impaired coordination, and even depression. It’s also important to note that there are regular relapses in which the symptoms return and then subside, and there are pseudo-relapses in which the individual experiences symptoms that don’t go away.
Whether it is a regular relapse or a pseudo-relapse, individuals with MS should speak with their doctor to work out a plan to manage their flare up.
What are the symptoms of a MS flare-up?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) flare-ups, also known as an exacerbation or relapse, are sudden periods of increased symptoms or new onset of symptoms that may last for a few days or up to several months. The most common symptoms of an MS flare-up are:
• Fatigue/exhaustion: Fatigue can range from mild to severe and can occur even after sleeping. It is usually triggered by physical activity and is often worse when exposed to heat.
• Weakness: Weakness can manifest in various ways such as difficulty walking or unsteady movement, loss of grip strength and difficulty performing everyday tasks. Weakness can affect part or all of one’s body, including a feeling of heaviness or stiffness in joints or muscles.
• Numbness/tingling: Numbness or tingling sensations can occur in a particular area or on one side of the body. This is commonly referred to as a “pins and needles” feeling.
• Cognitive changes: These can include memory loss, difficulty concentrating and difficulty finding the right words.
• Vision disturbances: These can include blurred vision, double vision and vision loss.
• Mood changes: These can range from mild depression or sadness to severe depression and anxiety.
• Muscle spasms: These can range from mild twitches to forceful jerking of a limb.
• Vertigo/balance issues: This can include a feeling of dizziness, light-headedness and difficulty with balance while walking.
Other symptoms can include urinary frequency, constipation, sexual dysfunction and worse headaches. It is important to note that each person experiences MS differently, meaning symptoms can vary from person to person.
Additionally, some people may not experience any flare-ups, or may experience them rarely. If you experience any of the above symptoms, contact your doctor for further advice.
What to do during an MS flare-up?
When a person is experiencing an MS flare-up, it’s important to take steps to reduce its severity and speed up the recovery process. Some tips on what to do during an MS flare-up include:
1. Rest: Rest is an important part of reducing the severity of an MS flare-up, and there are several things that can be done to promote rest. Taking short naps or fitting in extra rest periods throughout the day can help reduce signs of an MS attack.
It is also important to make sure you get plenty of good quality sleep at night.
2. Heat: Applying heat to the affected area can help reduce the pain and the intensity of an MS flare-up. Hot showers, warm baths, and using a hot water bottle can all help ease pain and discomfort.
3. Exercise: Keeping active is important for reducing the intensity of a flare-up despite it not being the most appealing thing to do during an MS attack. Gentle stretching, walking, and cycling are good activities that can help reduce the length and intensity of a flare-up.
4. Diet: Eating well-balanced meals regularly with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help reduce fatigue related to an MS attack. It can also be useful to eat small snacks between meals in order to keep energy levels up.
5. Medication: Your doctor will be able to advise on any medications that may help reduce the severity of an MS flare-up. Such treatments may include steroid treatments such as intravenous infusions or oral doses, as well as other medications to reduce pain and discomfort.
6. Seek Support From Others: It is important to have a strong support network of friends and family when experiencing an MS flare-up. Being able to talk to someone can help to reduce stress levels, while they can also provide practical help and assistance.
What can trigger MS flare ups?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) flare-ups, or relapses, can be triggered by a number of different things. While scientists have not been able to pin down the exact cause of flare-ups, there are certain factors that have been linked to them.
These include physical activity, heat, stress, fatigue, and infections.
Physical activity, specifically sudden changes in exercise levels, can cause an MS relapse. It is commonly thought that too much exertion or a sudden burst of activity can cause a flare-up. It is important for those with MS to gradually increase their activity levels to minimize the risk of a relapse.
Heat has also been found to trigger flare-ups in those with MS. Up to 90% of those with MS respond to a sudden increase in temperature. A temperature increase of just few degrees can lead to muscle spasms, fatigue, and impairment of motor skills.
Stress can be another postulated cause of MS exacerbation. Those with MS should aim to manage their stress levels and avoid stressful situations as much as possible.
Research suggests that even a lack of sleep and fatigue can worsen the symptoms of MS. Those with MS should make sure they get adequate rest and avoid pushing themselves too hard during the day.
Lastly, infections of any kind can often trigger a relapse in those with MS. Common infections such as a cold, the flu, and urinary tract infections can all lead to an MS flare-up. It is important to take preventive measures to avoid such infections.
Overall, it is not always clear what will cause an MS flare-up, as each individual can respond differently to certain triggers. It is important for those with MS to be mindful of the possible triggers and take precautionary steps to minimize their risk of a relapse.
What is the number one symptom of MS?
The number one symptom of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can vary from person to person, as the disease and its manifestations differ for each individual. However, if one had to pick one symptom of MS that is generally reported most frequently, it would be fatigue.
Fatigue is described as profound feeling of extreme tiredness, which can range in severity from mild to severe. This exhaustion can be so profound that it prevents individuals with MS from completing even everyday tasks.
Commonly, individuals with MS will sometimes experience fatigue that is worse in the afternoon and experience what is called an “MS hug”, which is a feeling of tightness, or pressure, around their body.
Other common symptoms of MS include: Muscle spasms or stiffness, difficulty with balance, inflammation or pain, changes in vision and speech, bladder or bowel problems, memory and cognitive issues, numbness or tingling, trouble swallowing and headaches.
What autoimmune disease is similar to MS?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, however, there are many other autoimmune conditions that can cause similar symptoms to MS. Some of the diseases that are commonly mistaken for MS or that have similar symptoms include the following:
1. Lupus: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can be hard to diagnose as it shares many of the same symptoms as MS. People with lupus often have fatigue, joint pain, stiffness, and skin rashes.
2. Lyme Disease: Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can affect the nervous system and cause symptoms similar to MS. Symptoms of this disease can include headache, fatigue, neurologic problems, and even paralysis.
3. Sarcoidosis: Sarcoidosis is a condition that results in inflammation in part of the body, most commonly the lungs, which can cause neurologic symptoms similar to MS.
4. Optic Neuritis: Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve that can cause pain and vision loss and can be mistaken for MS.
5. Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A deficiency in Vitamin B12 is common in people with MS and can cause symptoms similar to MS. Symptoms of B12 deficiency can include fatigue, confusion, and poor coordination.
In some cases, other diseases may mimic the symptoms of MS, so it is important to talk to a healthcare professional to properly diagnose and treat the condition.
Does MS show up in blood work?
Yes, MS can be detected through blood work. To diagnose someone with MS, doctors typically begin by conducting a physical exam and asking about a person’s medical history. In some cases blood tests may be conducted to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
When conducting blood work to determine if someone has MS, doctors often look for markers of inflammation, such as levels of specific immune system proteins. They may also test for antibodies that are commonly seen in those with MS.
There are no definitive markers of MS in the blood, so doctors may need to combine the test results with other tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Doctors may also use other tests, such as cerebrospinal fluid analysis, MRI scans, and evoked potential tests to help diagnose MS. By combining these different tests and examining the patient’s full medical history, doctors can more accurately determine if MS is present.
Does MS make you gain weight?
No, MS does not directly cause weight gain. In fact, as MS affects the body’s nervous system, it can cause a range of side effects that can have an effect on body weight. For example, MS can impact the body’s ability to regulate its temperature, leading to excess sweating and a lack of appetite.
In addition, many MS medications, such as those used to treat pain and depression, can lead to weight gain.
It is important to note that there is no research showing a direct link between MS and weight gain. What is known is that MS can have a negative effect on an individual’s body weight and that MS treatments, such as medications, can have that same effect.
Therefore, it is important for those with MS to take steps to maintain a healthy weight, such as eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. Ultimately, it is important to talk to a doctor if sudden or drastic changes in body weight occur.
How do you know if you are having an MS relapse?
If you have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), you may experience episodes called relapses (also known as ‘attacks’ or ‘flare ups’). In most cases, MS relapses start with intense neurological symptoms that can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
Symptoms can range from mild, such as tingling in the limbs, to severe and disabling, such as paralysis or loss of vision. Though relapse symptoms will vary from person to person, some of the most commonly experienced symptoms can include:
• Fatigue
• Weakness, especially in the limbs
• Numbness or tingling in the extremities
• Urinary incontinence
• Bladder problems
• Problems with balance and coordination
• Visual disturbances such as double vision and blindness
• Cognitive difficulties, such as impaired thinking, memory loss and difficulty with problem solving
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it may be a sign of an MS relapse. If you suspect you may be having a relapse, it’s important to contact your doctor right away. The earlier a relapse is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin.
During a relapse, your doctor may order diagnostic tests to confirm a diagnosis of MS and further investigate the cause, duration and severity of the relapse. Treatment for an MS relapse will depend on the severity of the symptoms but could include oral and/or injected medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy and rehabilitation.
How long do MS relapses usually last?
The duration and severity of relapses associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) can vary widely from person to person. Generally speaking, most relapses can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, though in some cases they can be much longer.
Research suggests that the average relapse lasts between three and four weeks. While the majority of relapses may be relatively mild, some individuals may experience acute flare-ups that result in more intense symptoms.
In addition, relapses can sometimes cause a worsening of previously existing symptoms or even the emergence of new ones.
It’s important to note that even though relapses tend to be temporary, the effects can sometimes linger and can even cause permanent damage. It’s also possible to have a relapse without having any distinct symptoms.
This is known as a silent relapse, and it is important to track any changes in symptoms between relapses to identify any increased signs of severity in order to prevent any further damage.
It’s also important to note that not everyone who has MS will experience relapses. Some individuals will have relatively stable disease activity and may never have to experience a relapse. However, for those who do experience relapses, it is important to follow up with one’s healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.
Do MS flare ups go away on their own?
Yes, most MS flare ups will go away on their own with time. A flare up is a temporary exacerbation of MS symptoms occurring over hours to weeks. It is important to remember that as with most MS symptoms, every person experiences them differently.
The fatigue and other symptoms that come with a flare up can vary from person to person, often times depending on their overall health and well-being.
There are ways to help manage flare ups such as rest, relaxation techniques, stretching and exercise, medication, hot and cold therapy, and stress management. Consulting a healthcare professional to determine which techniques might work best for a person’s particular flare up is also recommended.
It is important to note that while flare ups can often go away on their own, they may reoccur if the underlying cause of the flare up is not addressed. Tracking the patterns of flare ups and any treatments used is helpful in recognizing which factors bring on the most discomfort.
Does an MRI show a MS relapse?
No, an MRI is not designed to diagnose a multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse. While it is often used to identify damage to the brain and spinal cord, an MRI is not able to detect MS-related symptoms such as visual or cognitive changes.
To diagnose an MS relapse and to identify the underlying cause, a physical exam and lab tests are used to assess the severity of symptoms and the presence of white blood cells in the cerebrospinal fluid.
In cases where there is evidence of changes in the brain or spinal cord, an MRI may be used to determine the extent of damage and to track disease progression. To accurately diagnose an MS relapse and determine the best course of action, it is important to consult with a doctor who can accurately diagnose and treat your condition.
When should you go to the ER for MS?
When experiencing symptoms of multiple sclerosis, it is important to seek medical attention if the symptoms become more severe or cause distress. Some situations in which it is advised to go to the emergency room (ER) include experiencing intense pain, having trouble breathing or speaking, vision problems, feeling faint or experiencing a seizure.
In addition to these symptoms, it is also important to seek medical attention if you experience other serious MS-related problems such as difficulty controlling or losing bladder or bowel function, severe muscle weakness, worsening vision, an increase in fatigue, severe dizziness, slurred speech, potential nerve damage, or any other unusually severe symptom.
The ER should also be consulted if a doctor has prescribed multiple sclerosis medication that is not providing the desired improvement.
What is the most common cause of MS exacerbation?
The most common cause of exacerbation (known as a relapse or flare-up) of multiple sclerosis (MS) is unknown. However, there are several potential triggers that have been linked to the increased activity of MS during a relapse.
These include infection, stress, overexertion, changes in temperature, hormones, or immunizations. Additionally, MS exacerbations may also occur in response to certain medications, poor nutrition, and insufficient sleep.
Each individual’s experience with MS is unique, and so it can be difficult to determine the cause of any particular flare-up. As such, any episode of worsening MS symptoms should be reported to a doctor or healthcare provider in order to get appropriate treatment as quickly as possible.