Are the symptoms of an attack of multiple sclerosis different from the symptoms of multiple sclerosis itself? Are there ways to treat and prevent this attack? Find out with us from the following paragraphs the most important things you need to know about the attack of multiple sclerosis, its signs, the causes of its occurrence, how long it lasts, how it can be dealt with, and many other information.

What is an attack of multiple sclerosis?

A flare up – Relapse – Attack A flare-up of new or worsening symptoms of multiple sclerosis or multiple sclerosis that can be so mild or severe that it interferes with a person’s ability to function or function in general .

Each attack is different, and its symptoms can range from person to person and vary from time to time. Sometimes symptoms associated with optic neuritis may appear and other times it may affect balance. Some attacks may result in only one symptom, while in some cases several symptoms may appear during one attack at the same time.

Symptoms of an attack of multiple sclerosis

To properly understand the onset of multiple sclerosis, you must first quickly know the symptoms of multiple sclerosis or multiple sclerosis:

• Feeling of numbness or tingling in the arms or feet (the most prominent symptom of this disease).
• Pain and weakness in the extremities.
• Vision problems (sometimes loss of vision in one eye).
• Loss of balance and coordination abilities.
• Dizziness and fatigue.

As mentioned earlier, the attack of multiple sclerosis differs from one person to another, so the accompanying symptoms may differ from one person to another, and sometimes the symptoms may be simple and sometimes severe, according to the extent to which the central nervous system is affected. Symptoms of an attack of multiple sclerosis include:

• Pain in the arms and legs.
• Blurry vision or eye pain due to optic neuritis.
• Balancing problems or feeling light-headed.
• Exhaustion.
• Problems with memory and concentration.
• numbness;
• A feeling of numbness or tingling similar to a needle stick.
• Slurred speech or difficulty swallowing.
• Bladder problems such as urinary incontinence.

How long does an attack of multiple sclerosis last?

An attack of severe MS usually lasts 24 hours, and in many cases the attack or worsening of symptoms lasts for several days to several weeks or months. The current attack is usually separated from the previous attack by at least 30 days.

Causes of an attack of multiple sclerosis

An attack of multiple sclerosis occurs when inflammation in the nervous system damages the layer that covers and protects nerve cells, and this slows or stops nerve signals from reaching the parts of the body that they should reach.

If you have relapsing MS, you may have an attack of MS, and then have a period without any symptoms known as a remission period.

The exact mechanism or specific cause of this attack is unknown, but it is believed to be related to the increased immune response. There is some evidence that the following factors can trigger an attack:

• Systemic infection, whether viral or bacterial.
• Postpartum period (postpartum period).
• Stress.
• Undergoing infertility treatment.

It is worth noting, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, a distinction must be made between a severe attack of MS, and what is known as a pseudoexacerbation, which usually lasts less than 24 hours. False exacerbation occurs as a result of some stimuli such as:

• High body temperature, as a result of infection, inflammation, or excessive activity.
• Menstrual cycle.
• Use of new medicines.
• Stress.

This pseudoexacerbation can usually be treated by eliminating the cause or the triggering factor. In many cases, it is difficult to differentiate between an attack of multiple sclerosis and this false exacerbation, so we strongly advise that in the event of any new symptoms appearing or old symptoms worsening, it is necessary to speak with the follow-up doctor.

Multiple sclerosis attack treatment

Symptoms can go away on their own if they are mild, but you should talk to your doctor in all cases. Treating MS symptoms can reduce attacks and help recover faster. The goal of treatment is to relieve the inflammation that caused the symptoms.

Your doctor will likely prescribe a steroid medication (such as methylprednisolone). These drugs help reduce inflammation and make an attack quicker, but they can’t cure the damage or slow down the progression of the disease.

In some cases, steroid medications cannot be prescribed, due to side effects such as weight gain, mood swings and sleep disturbances, so ACTH gel is another option, and it is injected into the muscle under the skin, where it stimulates the adrenal gland to secrete hormones that reduce inflammation.

Among the available treatment options is also a plasma change, and during this option, the blood plasma is replaced with new plasma, and this option is used in severe and acute attacks, and in the event that other treatments are not successful.

In cases of acute attacks, and when you begin to regain strength again, your doctor may suggest corrective rehabilitation, including the following methods:

• Psychotherapy.
• Occupational Therapy.
• Treating problems speaking, swallowing or thinking.

How to prevent an attack of multiple sclerosis

Here are some tips or methods that can help prevent an attack of multiple sclerosis:

• Take prescribed medications: These medications help prevent multiple sclerosis from getting worse and help prevent attacks. If you experience side effects, you should not stop taking them and refer to your doctor first.
• Maintaining health: Exposure to any health problems, starting with a cold or a bladder infection, can help with the symptoms of an attack, so be sure to wash your hands well during the day, make sure you get the annual flu vaccination, avoid sick people, and avoid dehydration.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking can worsen the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, and it can also harm the body in other ways, and you can talk to your doctor to help you find appropriate ways to quit.
• Relax: Stress is one of the factors that may lead to an attack, and relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, and any other preferred technique can be tried.
• Get enough hours of sleep: Sleep problems are common among patients with multiple sclerosis, as a result of the symptoms that the patient may be exposed to, such as pain and muscle spasms, so you can talk to the doctor about it and adjust medications to deal with this matter.