Relapses are a feature of your MS if you have Relapsing Remitting MS. Some people find it hard initially to identify a relapse, therefore it is really important you contact your MS Team to help you figure this out.
Typically a relapse is described as: new or old symptoms that are constantly there for 24 hours plus. The onset is usually sudden and it can escalate quickly, normally there is a combination of symptoms, not just one. Most relapses last approximately 6 weeks, however this can vary greatly.
It is important to remember that there are other factors that can seem as if you are having a relapse, such as:
- An infection,
- Any broken skin (such as an ingrowing toenail),
- Stress or anxiety,
- A low mood,
- Overdoing it (being busy),
- Being menopausal,
- Being on your period,
- The hot weather.
Common patterns of relapses:
Optic Neuritis: People experience a sudden onset of blurring of their vision, usually in one eye, but on occasions it can be both. It is like looking through a net curtain. Many people also experience pain around the eye orbit area or on movement of the eye. Also colour vision can be affected, it may look as if colours are either dulled or brightened or black and white. If you are concerned then we would recommend you attend eye casualty so they can check the health of your eye.
Sensory Relapse: Some people experience numbness that starts in the toes and then escalate up the leg over the course of the day, the numbness may continue up the torso to the waist or higher and often there is a tight band sensation at the top of the numbness.
Treatment for the relapse:
Not all relapses need treatment, and it important to remember that steroid treatment only speeds up the recovery time, it won’t affect how well you recover. And it’s also important to remember that sometimes people make complete recovery after a relapse and sometimes people don’t recover fully.
If we choose to use steroids, we use oral Methyl-prednisolone 500mg daily for 5 days and another tablet to protect your tummy. However the main way that you can help recover is by resting, maybe have a week or two off work.
What to do if you think you’re having a relapse
Tip: Keep a diary of your symptoms, this is really helpful when trying to figure out what is what.
Once you think your symptoms are constant rather than coming and going, then ring the MS Nurse telephone helpline or e-mail your MS Team. 01432 677349 msteam.hereford@nhs.net
They will screen you by asking questions about infection etc. to ensure that it is a relapse.
If steroids are needed the MS team will organise these through your Gp and also make an appointment to review you 6 weeks following the relapse.