What are the possible symptoms of an MS relapse?

Question

Hello doctor,

My friend has multiple sclerosis, which has improved over time. However, for the past week, her symptoms have worsened, including numbness in her arms and legs and difficulty with balance. The doctor here suggests it is a relapse.

What steps should I take to help manage her symptoms now?
Are there any warning signs I should watch for?
Looking at the long-term outlook, what can I expect for her future with this diagnosis?
How can she prepare for the potential progression of the disease?

Please advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concerns and know how difficult this must be for you.

Please don’t worry, you are not alone, and I’m here to help you.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. While it cannot currently be cured, treatment can often help manage it. There are many possible symptoms of MS, and everyone with the condition is affected differently.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

Feeling extremely tired (fatigue).
Problems with your eyes or vision, such as blurred vision or eye pain.
Numbness or a tingling sensation in different parts of the body.
Feeling off-balance, dizzy, or clumsy (uncoordinated).
Muscle cramps, spasms, and stiffness.
Problems with memory and concentration.
Erectile dysfunction.

Symptoms may come and go (known as "flare-ups" or "relapses" and "remissions") and may worsen over time.

Tests to diagnose MS may include:

Evaluations of movement, coordination, vision, balance, and reflexes.
Blood tests.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans are used to detect nerve damage in the brain or spinal cord.
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to take a sample of spinal fluid from the lower back.
Tests with small sensors attached to the skin to measure how quickly messages from the eyes or ears travel to the brain.

Treatments you may receive include:

Steroid medication to reduce swelling and help nerves function better.
Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) to reduce the frequency and severity of relapses.
Muscle relaxants to relieve muscle spasms, cramps, or stiffness.
Medications to treat pain, vision problems, and other symptoms.

You will also be offered treatment and support tailored to your symptoms. Every person's needs are different.

Some forms of support that might be provided include:

Advice on managing fatigue.
Physiotherapy and exercises to address movement problems and muscle pain.
Mobility equipment (for example, walking sticks, frames, or wheelchairs) and home adaptations (for example, stair lifts or railings) to help with daily activities.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is used to address anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
Activities to improve memory, concentration, thinking, and mood (cognitive rehabilitation).
Advice, exercises, and medications for bowel or bladder problems.

I hope this explanation has addressed your query.

If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you.