What Is a True Exacerbation (Relapse) of Multiple Sclerosis?
A true exacerbation of multiple sclerosis is caused by an area of inflammation (swelling) in the nerves of the brain and spinal cord system followed by something called demyelination, which is the destruction of myelin. The myelin is the fatty sheath that surrounds and protects the nerve fibers. Demyelination results in the formation of an abnormal area called a plaque within the brain and/or spinal cord. A plaque causes the nerve impulses to be slowed, distorted, or halted, producing the symptoms of MS. One example of an exacerbation of MS would be the development of optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve (which is in the back of the eye) that impairs vision. An exacerbation of MS may be mild and not cause a noticeable impairment in functioning or may significantly interfere with a person’s daily life. Exacerbations usually last from several days to several weeks, although they may extend into months. Exacerbations or relapses of MS are often treated with medications calle
