Definition of Multiple Sclerosis Relapse

1. Definition and further information

2.  An episode of neurological symptoms that
happens at least 30 days after any previous
episode began, it is not caused by any
infection or other cause and the symptoms
last 24 hours or more (some neurologists
might expect to last at least 48 hours)
 Known by other names such as an
attack, exacerbation, flare-up, acute episode
or clinical event

3.  Symptoms develop over a period of days or
weeks , followed by a period of stabilisation
and improvement over a number of weeks or
months
 Following recovery from a relapse, a person
might be left with some residual problems
(incomplete or partial recovery) or no
symptoms (complete recovery)

4.  If you develop new symptoms that have
evolved over a few days or weeks, of the type
commonly experienced in MS, it is likely you
are having a relapse
 However, if you develop a recurrence of old
symptoms or a worsening of longstanding
symptoms that last only a few hours in
duration, or vary on a day-to-day basis, it is
much less likely to be due to a relapse

5.  Contact MS nurse
 Inform about symptoms experiencing, how you
are feeling in general and any difficulties you are
having as a result of your symptoms
 Urine sample and blood test to check for
infection
 Appointment to see neurologist consultant in
view of treatment consideration

6.  If your symptoms are making it difficult to carry on your normal day-to-
day activities, it may be appropriate to consider referral to local
rehabilitation services or even consider hospital admission
 If your symptoms are mild and not particularly troublesome, it is
sometime best to wait for recovery to occur by itself
 If your symptoms are thought to be due to illness or stress, rather than a
relapse, it is important to avoid treatment with steroids
 Treatment with steroids would be considered discussing with your
consultant neurologist as it is important to appreciate that steroids do
not alter the extent to which you recover from a relapse and declining
treatment should not have a detrimental effect on your condition in the
long-term
 If you have been having frequent and severe relapses you may benefit
from disease modifying treatments (beta-interferons or glatiramer
acetate). These drugs may reduce the number and severity of relapses

7.  Questions?