Skip to main content Skip to navigation

A to Z of MS Relapse

A relapse is the appearance of new symptoms or the reappearance of old symptoms that last more than 24 hours. A relapse can last for considerably longer than that and may persist for weeks or months. The frequency of relapses, the severity of symptoms experienced and the length of the gap between attacks (remission) are unpredictable. Similarly, it may sometimes be difficult to determine what is a fluctuation in symptoms and what is a relapse.

Relapses are often treated with steroids. Studies have shown that steroids are effective in speeding up recovery from relapse but make no difference either to the degree of recovery or to the long-term progression of the condition.

Return to index