Does MS Get Worse? What You Need to Know
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition that has no cure. Over time, symptoms may get worse and turn into relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). The condition can be managed with an effective treatment plan, such as avoiding triggers that could lead to a flare-up.
Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is the most common form of MS. It involves periods of time when symptoms are stable and other times when there’s a flare-up or relapse.
If you have MS, you’re not alone in having questions about your condition. Many people want to know how flare-ups feel, how long they’ll last, and how their MS may change over time.
Keep reading to find answers to some common questions about relapsing-remitting MS.
Can MS get worse?
Over time, your MS symptoms and management will likely change. The symptoms that appear or worsen during a flare-up will typically resolve once you’re back in remission.
Effective treatment plans can manage symptoms and prevent or delay the progression of MS.
RRMS can progress to another stage of MS, called secondary progressive MS. Symptoms of secondary progressive MS (SSMS) change over time at a steady, more gradual pace. In SSMS, flare-ups and relapses can occur, but there are no remissions.
Does MS always progress?Â
Every person with MS is unique and will experience the condition differently.
MS is considered a progressive condition. This means that symptoms change over time, and it may progress to another type of MS. More advanced types of MS can become more difficult to manage.
Getting started on treatments soon after diagnosis can lengthen the time between relapses. Treatments also make it possible to have long periods of time with no progression.
RRMS can also lead to primary progressive MS, which is a less common type of MS where people have a gradual decline, possible flare-ups, and relapses without remissions.
However, better treatment options using long-term disease-modifying therapies are helping to change outcomes. Most people with MS who use disease-modifying therapies may not experience the same severity as those who don’t use or have access to these treatments.
What’s considered a relapse in MS?
MS flare-ups and relapses aren’t exactly the same and can be distinguished as the following:
- Flare-up: Stress on the body causes symptoms you’ve already experienced to appear again.
- Relapse: Brand new symptoms appear constantly for at least 24 hours, caused by new damage to the nervous system.
A relapse occurs when there’s an increase in inflammation in the nerves. New or worsening symptoms that last more than 24 to 48 hours may be considered a relapse. A doctor will first make sure there’s no other cause for your symptoms.
Symptoms may be new or sudden, worsening any current symptoms. A relapse can last for days or months and is typically followed by periods of remission when symptoms resolve or improve. A remission period can last months or years.
With RRMS, you may completely return to your pre-relapse condition during remission, or you may experience persistent worsening of your overall symptoms after the relapse has resolved.
What does an MS flare-up feel like?
This will vary depending on the person. During a flare-up, some of your current symptoms may feel slightly worse, but no new symptoms should appear.
Some of the most common symptoms of an MS flare-up are:
- feeling more sensitive to heat
- loss of balance or feeling dizzy
- feeling unstable or uncoordinated
- changes in bladder or bowel function
- fatigue
- numbness or tingling
- feeling weak
What triggers MS flare-ups?
Flare-ups occur when damage already done to your central nervous system is triggered by factors like emotional stress, heat, or infection.
Keep in mind that sometimes a flare-up occurs even if you’re doing your best to manage your MS. Having a flare-up doesn’t mean that you’ve done anything wrong.
The following are some common MS flare-up triggers.
Overheating
People with MS can be more sensitive to temperature. Staying in the sun too long on a hot day or being in a sauna may trigger symptoms.
Emotional stress
It’s not possible to magically get rid of all of life’s stressors, but how you respond to stress is important.
Consider trying relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or gentle activity. It may also be beneficial to work with a professional to learn coping strategies.
Medication changes
It’s important to take any medications for MS exactly as directed. If you start a new medication for another health concern, be sure to check with a doctor that it won’t interact with your MS treatments.
Other infections or illnesses
Staying healthy is especially important when you live with MS. Getting an infection or coming down with a cold or flu can cause a flare-up. It’s recommended to do what you can to prevent this, such as getting your flu shot every year and washing your hands frequently.
How long does MS last?Â
MS is a chronic (long-term) condition for which there’s no cure. However, effective treatments that can help you mange symptoms are available.
Treatments for RRMS can lengthen the time between relapses. They can also prevent or delay progression to another stage of MS.
Frequently asked questions
Do MS symptoms get worse with age?
In many cases, MS symptoms do get worseTrusted Source with age. Those living with the condition may find that over time, their symptoms worsen or that they develop new ones.
Is MS hereditary?
MS is not a hereditary condition. However, you can inherit a genetic risk, which means you may have certain genes that contribute to the likelihood of developing the condition.
How many years does it take for MS to get worse?
Research has shown that those living with MS may see their condition worsening between the ages of 55 to 65Trusted Source. However, the progression of the condition can differ for each individual.
The takeaway
Relapsing-remitting MS is a long-term health condition that involves periods when symptoms flare up, followed by remission.
There are effective treatments available that can help manage symptoms and delay the time between relapses. With medical advances, fewer people with RRMS are progressing to a more advanced stage of the disease.