Feeling Overwhelmed? Here’s What to Do During an MS Attack

6 Things to Do In Case of an MS Flare-Up

These six things might help you deal with your symptoms and feel less stressed during a relapse.

Be Prepared

The first thing you need to do to handle a flare-up is always to be ready for one. Start by making a list of important information, such as emergency contact numbers, details about your medical history, and the medications you are currently taking. Keep your list in a place in your home that is easy to get to.

Since relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis can make it hard to move around, you might want to make plans with trusted friends or family members for transportation in case you can't drive because of how bad your symptoms are. Many public transit systems offer pick-up and drop-off services for people who have trouble getting around. You should call your local transit service to find out how to book a ride.

Keep An Eye on Your Symptoms

A relapse can have mild symptoms or more serious ones. Sometimes, you may need to go to the hospital, especially if you have symptoms you've never had before. Seek medical help immediately if you are in a lot of pain, can't see well, or can't move around much.

If you think you're having an MS flare-up, pay close attention to your symptoms for the first 24 hours, especially if they are the same ones you've had before. It can be helpful to make sure that what you're going through is a relapse and not just a small change.

Sometimes, things like temperature, stress, lack of sleep, or infection can worsen symptoms.

Even though the signs of an MS flare-up can be different for each person, here are some of the most common ones:

• fatigue mobility issues

• dizziness trouble concentrating

• bladder problems

• It's hard to see.

If you have had one or more of these signs for longer than 24 hours, you may be having a relapse. But not every time someone relapses; they need to go to the hospital or get treatment. Minor changes in how things feel or more fatigue can be signs of deterioration, but most of the time, the MS relapse symptoms can be treated at home.

Call Your Doctor

If you think you're having a relapse, you should talk to your doctor right away. Even if your symptoms seem manageable and you don't think you need medical help, you need to tell your doctor about every relapse so they can keep track of MS activity and progression and see how well your MS drugs are working. It's helpful to answer critical questions about your symptoms, like when they started, what parts of your body are affected, and how they affect your daily life.

Try to be as transparent as you can. Make sure to tell your doctor about any big changes in your lifestyle, diet, or medications that they might not already know about.

Get Treatment

If your MS relapses have worsened since you were first diagnosed, you may want to talk to your doctor about new ways to treat them. Most people also agree that treating new or worsening symptoms can shorten the condition's length and keep nerve damage from worsening. Some relapses are treated with a high dose of corticosteroids taken over 3 to 5 days.  

They can sometimes be taken at home. If the symptoms don't improve with steroids, plasma exchange may be used instead. Corticosteroids can lessen the severity and length of a flare-up, but so far, they haven't been shown to change how MS gets worse over time.

There is also the option of therapeutic rehabilitation, which is available whether or not you choose steroid treatment.

Rehab programs are meant to help you get back to doing things you need every day, like moving around, getting fit, doing your job well, and taking care of yourself. Depending on your symptoms, some of the people on your rehab team may be physiotherapists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, or cognitive remediation specialists.

If you want to try a rehab program, your doctor can put you in touch with other medical professionals who can help with your specific needs.

Tell Other People

Once you've told your doctor that you're having a relapse, you might want to say it to your friends and family. Because of the types of multiple sclerosis and your symptoms, you may need to change some of your plans with friends or the help you need. Don't be afraid to ask for help with things around the house or getting around. People are sometimes embarrassed to ask for help, but your friends and family will probably want to help you in any way they can.

If you work, it can also be helpful to tell your boss that you're having a relapse, significantly if it might affect how well you do your job. If you can, taking time off, working from home, or changing your break times may help you balance your job responsibilities with your health.

Figure Out How You Feel

An MS flare-up can cause stress and make people feel different things. Symptoms like fatigue can make life less enjoyable and make people feel sad or depressed. People sometimes feel angry or scared about the situation or worried about how it will affect their relationships with others. If any of these feelings come over you, remind yourself that they will go away in time.

Two examples of mindfulness exercises that can help you deal with stress and anxiety are deep breathing and meditation. There are classes at local community centers and yoga studios, or you can try guided medications through podcasts or phone apps. Sitting still and focusing on your breath for a few minutes may help.

Getting some rest, taking care of yourself, and staying active can help you feel better physically and emotionally. Based on your symptoms and mood, your doctor can help you figure out how much rest and activity you need.

Final Words

Even though you can't tell when your MS will get worse, you can take steps to be ready for changes. Don't forget that you aren't alone. Try to get to know your doctor well enough to feel comfortable talking to them about any changes in your health.
If you or anyone you know show signs of MS relapse, consult an expert neurologist at your nearest super-specialty hospital as soon as possible!

FAQs

1. Should I call my doctor immediately during a flare-up?

Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms are severe, persist for more than a few days, or significantly impact your daily life.

2. Are there any home remedies that can help during a flare-up?

Managing temperature, staying hydrated, and practicing relaxation techniques can help alleviate symptoms. However, always follow medical advice first.

3. Can stress cause an MS flare-up?

Stress can exacerbate symptoms and may trigger a relapse. Practice stress management techniques like meditation or gentle yoga to help.

4. Is it safe to exercise during a flare-up?

Light stretching or gentle exercises can help, but avoid strenuous activities. Listen to your body and rest when needed.

5. How long does an MS flare-up usually last?

Flare-ups can last from a few days to several weeks. The duration varies depending on the individual and the severity of the symptoms.

Citations

Bentley, T. G. K., D’Andrea-Penna, G., Rakic, M., Arce, N., LaFaille, M., Berman, R., Cooley, K., & Sprimont, P. (2023). Breathing Practices for Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Conceptual Framework of Implementation Guidelines based on a systematic review of the published literature. Brain Sciences, 13(12), 1612. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13121612

Briones-Buixassa, L., Milà, R., Aragonès, J. M., Bufill, E., Olaya, B., & Arrufat, F. X. (2015). Stress and multiple sclerosis: A systematic review considering potential moderating and mediating factors and methods of assessing stress. Health Psychology Open, 2(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/2055102915612271

Ciccone, A., Beretta, S., Brusaferri, F., Galea, I., Protti, A., & Spreafico, C. (2008). Corticosteroids for the long-term treatment in multiple sclerosis. Cochrane Library. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd006264.pub2

Kamel, F. (2019). Factors involved in relapse of multiple sclerosis. Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure, 7(3), 103. https://doi.org/10.4103/jmau.jmau_59_18

Tafti, D., Ehsan, M., & Xixis, K. L. (2024, March 20). Multiple sclerosis. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499849/