Multiple Sclerosis is a degenerative disease that can wreak havoc on the nervous systems of the people plagued with it. Fortunately, some people can get it under control with medication and other methods of treatment and can hold it at bay, while others may fall into remission.
According to John Hopkins University, remitting-relapsing MS is the first diagnosis people with MS usually receive and is defined as, “…flare-ups of the disease, or relapses. Between these flare-ups, you have periods of recovery, or remissions.” When MS begins to flare up this means, “…your body’s immune system attacks the central nervous system, damaging the myelin that protects nerve fibers.” While the disease is degenerative and can cause a lot of damage over the years, it rarely results in death, but some may need assistance with walking and other basic functions as time goes on.
Some of the symptoms of relapsing last at least 24 hours and include:
- Trouble seeing
- Sensitivity to heat
- Numbness, especially in the feet
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty thinking clearly
- Depression
- Needing to urinate urgently
- Trouble with balance
- Lack of coordination
These symptoms may become worse during a relapse, but during remission they may completely subside or become inconsistent.
While MS is not curable, it can be treated with different types of medications and procedures, such as:
- Beta-interferon
- Glatiramer acetate
- Monoclonal antibodies
- Dimethyl fumarate
- Fingolimod
Other symptoms medicines can be prescribed to treat that MS may cause:
- Muscle spasms
- Urge to urinate
- Depression
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
If you notice your MS is worsening, or your relapses are becoming more apparent, go to your doctor and have a discussion about your treatment methods.