Relapsing-Remitting MS: Symptoms and Treatment
Most people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have a type called relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). It usually starts in your 20s or 30s.
If you have RRMS, you may have attacks when your symptoms flare up. These are called relapses.
Find out more about the types of multiple sclerosis:
Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Progressive Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
An attack is followed by a time of recovery when you have no few or no symptoms, called remission. It can last weeks, months, or longer. The disease doesn't get worse during these breaks.
After 10 to 20 years, RRMS usually changes to a different type of MS called secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. You won’t have relapses as often, but the disease gets gradually worse.
No two people with MS are likely to have the same symptoms in the same way. Some may come and go or appear once and not again. The symptoms you have depend on the area of your brain or spinal cord that the disease has damaged. They can include:
An RRMS attack can last anywhere from 24 hours to several weeks. It can involve:
Tell your doctor about signs of a relapse as soon as possible. If you treat it quickly, you might be able to reduce lasting damage and disability.
Most people with RRMS manage the disease with:
For most people with RRMS, it’s best to start treatment as soon as they’re diagnosed to avoid lasting nerve damage.
Some medications for RRMS fight the disease by turning down the body’s immune system so that it doesn’t attack nerves. These are called disease-modifying drugs (DMDs). Doctors might also call them immunotherapy or disease-modifying therapy (DMT).
If you have RRMS, you may have attacks when your symptoms flare up. These are called relapses.
Types of Multiple Sclerosis
Find out more about the types of multiple sclerosis:
Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Progressive Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
An attack is followed by a time of recovery when you have no few or no symptoms, called remission. It can last weeks, months, or longer. The disease doesn't get worse during these breaks.
After 10 to 20 years, RRMS usually changes to a different type of MS called secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. You won’t have relapses as often, but the disease gets gradually worse.
Symptoms of Relapsing-Remitting MS
No two people with MS are likely to have the same symptoms in the same way. Some may come and go or appear once and not again. The symptoms you have depend on the area of your brain or spinal cord that the disease has damaged. They can include:
- Eye pain and vision problems such as double vision or jumpy vision. These problems may be the first sign you have RRMS.
- Numbness and tingling
- Sensitivity to heat
- Pain that runs down the spine, like a mild electrical shock, when you bend your neck
- Dizziness
- Bowel or bladder problems
- Sexual problems, like trouble getting aroused or climaxing
- Stiff muscles and trouble moving your body
- Feeling weak and tired
- Problems with balance and coordination
- A hard time thinking clearly
- Depression
An RRMS attack can last anywhere from 24 hours to several weeks. It can involve:
- One or many symptoms
- An existing problem that gets worse
- A new symptom
Tell your doctor about signs of a relapse as soon as possible. If you treat it quickly, you might be able to reduce lasting damage and disability.
Treatment
Most people with RRMS manage the disease with:
- Medication
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other forms of rehab
- Healthy habits
For most people with RRMS, it’s best to start treatment as soon as they’re diagnosed to avoid lasting nerve damage.
RRMS Medication: Disease-Modifying Drugs
Some medications for RRMS fight the disease by turning down the body’s immune system so that it doesn’t attack nerves. These are called disease-modifying drugs (DMDs). Doctors might also call them immunotherapy or disease-modifying therapy (DMT).
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