A Relapse is known as an exacerbation, flare, or attack and can vary in length, severity, and symptoms.

A Relapse is = Rapid onset of new or worsening of previous MS symptoms lasting more than 24 hours and separated from the previous attack by at least 30 days in the absence of an infection.

A Relapse can be mild, moderate or severe. Depending on the relapse’s severity, symptoms may range in their impact on a person’s life.

Each Relapse is caused by inflammation,  demyelination (loss of myelin, the layer that covers the nerves and responsible for conduction of the messages) and axonal loss (injury of the nerves) in the central nervous system (in the brain, spinal cord and around the nerves of the eyes).

A Relapse is usually treated by intravenous or oral steroids.

Important to differentiate between pseudo-relapse and true relapse.