It can be confusing to understand the difference between an MS relapse and an MS flare-up. Here’s a simple explanation:
• MS Relapse: A relapse is when you experience new symptom that last for more than 24 hours. These symptoms are continuous and happen without any underlying infection or illness. This will be assessed for a relapse.
If you think you are having a relapse, contact your allocated MS nurse, not your GP (reason we say this is that we are the experts in MS and we can put tests investigations and treatments in place appropriately. Even if this is at a weekend, it better to wait to speak to us as the wait will not make the relapse worse). Leave a message saying you believe you are experiencing a relapse. You will be assessed over the phone, and blood tests may be ordered. If you can get your wee dipped at the GP surgery to make sure there is no infection, even better. An action plan can then be made. Sometimes, you may need to be assessed in a clinic, and it’s important to know that steroids are not always required for treatment.
• MS Flare-Up: A flare-up, on the other hand, refers to short term increases in symptoms that may come and go. These symptoms might not last as long as a relapse. Flare-ups can be triggered by things like stress, heat, fatigue, or even an infection or illness. They can also be a flare-up of symptoms from previous relapses. The management of this is different to a relapse.
For example, you might treat an infection through your GP, manage stress through support groups, or seek help from mental health services. You can still contact your MS nurse for support if you experience a flare-up. They can provide guidance and help you manage your symptoms.
- Case Study: MS Flare-Up After Infection and Tiredness
Patient Background: A patient, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2018, called the MS nurse team because she had numbness in her right leg for 4 days. Recently, she has been very tired and had a water infection for which the GP gave antibiotics.
Past Problems: In 2018, she had a relapse that also affected her right leg, causing numbness.
Current Problem: The numbness is happening again in the same leg, and the nurse thinks it is an MS flare-up. The infection, feeling tired, and doing too much are likely making the MS worse.
What to Do:
• make sure the water infection has gone.
• Make sure to rest more and not overdo things.
• Watch the symptoms for the next few weeks.
The nurse told the patient to call back if she has any more problems or if her symptoms get worse.
