Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Multiple Sclerosis Exacerbation?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

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.

A person with multiple sclerosis may experience tremors in the hands and feet that make movement and grip difficult.
A person with multiple sclerosis may experience tremors in the hands and feet that make movement and grip difficult.

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.

Multiple sclerosis exacerbation is an increase in the severity of multiple sclerosis symptoms or the onset of new symptoms.
Multiple sclerosis exacerbation is an increase in the severity of multiple sclerosis symptoms or the onset of new symptoms.

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.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A person with multiple sclerosis may experience tremors in the hands and feet that make movement and grip difficult.
      By: Simone van den Berg
      A person with multiple sclerosis may experience tremors in the hands and feet that make movement and grip difficult.
    • Multiple sclerosis exacerbation is an increase in the severity of multiple sclerosis symptoms or the onset of new symptoms.
      By: designua
      Multiple sclerosis exacerbation is an increase in the severity of multiple sclerosis symptoms or the onset of new symptoms.