In addition to specializing in treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis, Dr. Jia conducts research on the genetics of neurologic disorders. He led one of the first studies to identify genetic factors that influence a progressive disease course in MS. His early work focused on understanding the genetics of the human immune system, and significantly advanced understanding of immune-mediated disorders including MS, rheumatoid arthritis, and HIV-1 infection.
Aside from being a neurologist and statistical geneticist, he is a lifelong violinist and served as Concertmaster of the Longwood Symphony, an orchestra of medical professionals in Boston, MA. If you're living with MS, this expert-answered article will help you discern if your treatment plan is working effectively or if you need to try a new…. If you're living with Hodgkin's lymphoma, you may be wondering what remission is, or what it means to have a relapse.
Learn the key facts you need to…. Enteric campylobacteriosis is an infection of your small intestine caused by bacteria. Multiple sclerosis MS can cause brain and spinal cord lesions. Treatment may be helpful in preventing new lesions and managing the condition.
Some days, sharing about my life with MS feels useful and authentic. Other times, I'd rather keep the details to myself. The results weren't permanent, but I'll cherish the memory of regaining my mobility. Myasthenia gravis and multiple sclerosis are immune-mediated conditions that can cause neurological symptoms. Learn about their similarities and…. Multiple sclerosis is an immune disorder. Learn more.
Neuromyelitis optica NMO is a rare condition that shares many symptoms with multiple sclerosis, but attacks only the optic nerve and spine. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Multiple Sclerosis.
If your hand or foot feels numb for a few hours, but then it returns to normal, that may be a symptom. There are many common symptoms of MS, but many of them can be managed once you bring them to the attention of your healthcare team. Here are some common symptoms people living with MS may experience:. Another important thing to note is that most relapses can last for several days, weeks, or months—so to be considered a relapse, new or worsening symptoms must occur at least 30 days after your last relapse, meaning MS symptoms are stable for about a month between relapses.
Pseudo-relapses don't usually result in permanent damage and they go away once their causes are out of the picture. Since limiting the number of relapses is one of the goals of relapsing MS treatment, experiencing relapses is a good reason to re-evaluate your relapsing MS medication.
The most important thing you can do is to be open and honest with your healthcare team. References: 1. National Institutes of Health.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Multiple sclerosis: hope through research. Investigators found that people who were adherent to the medications reduced the likelihood of relapse by 42 percent and hospitalization by 52 percent. A poster presentation at the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers in June also found increased incidence of relapses when people stopped taking their disease-modifying therapy for more than two months.
That group had nearly 28 percent more relapses, 25 percent more emergency department visits, and 40 percent more hospitalizations compared with people who continued to take their medication. Some people regain total function after a flare, while in others the recovery may be only partial. A variety of types of rehabilitation specialists — including physical therapists, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, and cognitive specialists — can play an important role in helping you regain physical and mental function after a flare.
Additional reporting by Becky Upham. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Multiple Sclerosis. Reviewed: February 5, Medically Reviewed. What Defines an MS Relapse? These include: Drinking plenty of water or other fluids to flush out bacteria Urinating when you feel the urge rather than waiting Seeing your doctor for treatment of any ongoing bladder problems, such as urinary incontinence or urinary retention RELATED: How to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections or UTIs Duration, Severity, and Recovery Relapses can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks or even months, depending on your response to treatment.
Steroids Considered a first-line treatment for exacerbations, steroids reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms, but they do not reverse the damage to the nerves. Intravenous Immunoglobin Intravenous immunoglobin IVIG can be used to treat relapses, though it is typically considered a second- or third-line treatment. Contact Us. If you or someone close to you has recently been diagnosed, access our MS information and resources. Start Here. Find healthcare providers and community resources to help you live your best life with MS.
Its use is limited due to high cost and access issues. It is often considered when someone cannot tolerate glucocorticoids. Plasmapheresis plasma exchange may be considered for severe exacerbations that do not respond adequately to the standard steroid treatment. Here are a few related topics that may interest you.
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