Multiple sclerosis exacerbation is an increase in the severity of multiple sclerosis symptoms or the onset of new symptoms, lasting more than 24 hours and sometimes extending to several months. Also known as relapses, flareups, or attacks, multiple sclerosis exacerbations can be frustrating for patients and family members, as they may onset without warning and they can be disabling in nature. There are treatments available to manage the course of multiple sclerosis and reduce the frequency and intensity of exacerbation episodes, and additional treatments are available during ongoing episodes.
To be considered a true multiple sclerosis exacerbation, the problem must persist for more than 24 hours and at least 30 days should have passed since the last exacerbation incident. Multiple sclerosis exacerbation is caused by a rise in disease activity, causing the development or enlargement of a plaque in the central nervous system and leading to interference with the conduction of nerve signals. Patients can experience symptoms like tingling, numbness, vision problems, difficulty walking, and lack of coordination. Each patient will experience slightly different symptoms.
Things like stress, trauma, infections, and pregnancy can all lead to a multiple sclerosis exacerbation. If the central nervous system is strained, it can increase disease activity and cause inflammation somewhere along the spinal cord or in the brain. Treatment for patients during episodes includes the administration of corticosteroids in large doses to bring the infection down, paired with things like physical therapy and rest. Between episodes, patients can take medications to reduce the risk of flareups and may also benefit from mild exercise and other supportive treatments.
The disturbances in a patient's level of function associated with multiple sclerosis exacerbation can vary. Sometimes the disturbance is very mild and the patient may be able to continue working, caring for children, and engaging in other activities, although some pain and discomfort can occur. In other instances, the patient's life may be severely disrupted and it may be necessary to take time off, rest in bed, or make other lifestyle adjustments for the duration of the flareup.
Multiple sclerosis can appear in a number of forms and affects people in different ways. Although the disease is not curable and cannot be prevented, treatments are available to help patients manage it and live more successfully and happily with multiple sclerosis. Numerous organizations are conducting research into the disease to learn more about how it works, help develop new treatments, and work on the development of cures for future patients.