Persons who are living with multiple sclerosis typically go through cycles of remission and relapsing. However, that doesn’t mean you have to suffer from relapses all the time. According to the health experts, there are steps you can take to make a relapse or flare-up less likely.
How Do You Know It’s A Relapse?
Technically, it can only be called a relapse if it happens 30 days after your first flare-up and lasts for at least 24 hours.
A relapse can happen at any time but there are usually a few warning signs that one is on its way.
The symptoms can include problems with your balance, blurred vision or blindness in one eye, dizziness, numbness, pain, feeling pins and needles in the limbs, fatigue, as well as weakness.
It’s important to note that you don’t have to experience all the symptoms for it to count as a relapse. In some cases, persons can have only one issue that has gotten worse. For example, inflammation of the optic nerve during a relapse will only impair your vision.
Five Ways To Prevent A Relapse
1. Don’t Skip Your Medications
It should go without saying but if you’re not taking your medications as prescribed, your odds of having a relapse will be higher.
Since the side effects are the most likely reason for you to avoid your medications, talk to your doctor about them.
They can either be managed more effectively or you may need to explore the other medications that are available.