People with MS can have relapsing MS in which there are periods with new or worsened symptoms or progressive MS in which there is a gradual decline in neurologic function without periods of improvement along the way. It can be challenging to determine if what you are experiencing is a new flare or just worsened symptoms from a previous flare (lesion). For example, suppose you had left arm weakness last year due to a new flare with significant subsequent improvement. In that, you may notice your arm develops the same left arm weakness as before if you are outside in the heat or suffering from an unrelated medical illness such as a urinary tract infection.
Reasons to suspect a new flare:
- You are experiencing a symptom you haven’t had before
- Your symptoms last a day or more
- Your neurologic condition had been stable for 30 days or more before you developing the new or worsened symptom
- You aren’t sick or experiencing severe stress or any factors that put extra strain on your nervous system.
The most common symptoms to suggest a new flare:
- Worsened fatigue
- New or worsening pain (nerve pain, cramping, burning in your extremities, muscle aches or cramping, a belt-like feeling around your waist)
- Unusual sensations such as numbness, tingling, electric shocks
- Worsened balance
- Vertigo or dizziness
- Muscle stiffness or cramping
- Weakness of the extremities
- Worsened memory, multitasking, and/or concentration
- Difficulty controlling your bowel and bladder
- Disturbed vision (loss of vision, blurred vision, decreased ability to discriminate colors, double vision)
It is imperative to track the number of flares that you have because that will help you and your doctor determine when it is time to make a change in therapy that will ultimately reduce the disability you will experience in the future. As some symptoms are mild and progression can be insidious, this can be difficult. Your doctor’s evaluation may occur at a time that you are not experiencing a flare. BeCare MS can help track subtle changes over time with its quantified neurologic assessment. Become empowered and be a driver in planning your healthcare plan.