Treating Relapses (Exacerbations, flare-ups, attacks)

Relapses (also called exacerbations, flare-ups, or attacks) result from an area of inflammation in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Inflammation in such an area causes disturbance to the normal activity the area governs and the result can be the variety of symptoms associated with MS.

Relapses are treated with steroids which act to suppress the inflammation and restore function. These drugs tend to lessen the severity and duration of relapses and speed up the return of function. The steroids most commonly used include prednisone,and intravenous methylprednisolone.

Used infrequently over the short term steroids are considered to be relatively safe by most practitioners. The short term side effects may include difficulty sleeping, and stomach upset as well as irritability. Over the long term these drugs may impact on many other areas including liver and kidneys and bone density, to name a few, and so long term and/or frequent use is to be avoided.

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