If you’re newly diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), you may have a lot of questions, and that’s okay. The best place to start is to learn as much as you can about relapsing-remitting MS.
For starters, it’s the most common form of multiple sclerosis (MS). In fact, about 85% of people with MS are initially diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS. With this type of MS, you can expect periods of symptoms (relapses) followed by periods of recovery (remissions).
Below, our team of experts at the Link Neuroscience Institute explains what you can expect after this diagnosis.
The biggest differentiator between this type of MS and progressive types of MS is the cycle of relapses and remissions.
During a relapse, you may experience new or worsening symptoms, such as muscle weakness, vision problems, fatigue, or difficulty with coordination. These symptoms can last for days, weeks, or even months.
After a relapse, you'll enter a remission phase where symptoms improve or disappear entirely. Remissions can be partial, with some symptoms lingering.
Relapses last at least 24 hours and are separated by 30-day (or more) remissions.
While there’s no cure for MS, various treatments can help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of relapses.
Your Link Neuroscience Institute may recommend disease-modifying therapies to slow the progression of relapsing-remitting MS.
These medications work by modifying your immune system's response, helping reduce inflammation, and preventing further damage to the nervous system.
During relapses, you may also benefit from corticosteroids and physical therapy (to help manage muscle weakness.)
Routine monitoring is an important part of MS management. During your checkups at Link Neuroscience Institute, our team monitors your disease progression and adjusts your treatment plan.
MRI scans are often used to track brain and spinal cord changes, which helps our team of doctors determine how well your treatment is working. Relapsing-remitting MS tends to create more brain lesions (visible on MRIs), while progressive forms tend to create more spinal cord lesions.
Because relapsing-remitting MS can advance to a more progressive type of MS, these MRI scans and routine monitoring can help spot this change. Most people with relapsing-remitting MS for about 10 years before it changes to a more progressive type.
Living with any form of MS may require some lifestyle changes to manage your symptoms effectively.
Fatigue is a common symptom, so be sure to pace yourself and prioritize rest. Regular physical activity (including your recommended physical therapy exercises), a balanced diet, and stress management techniques can also help improve your overall well-being and keep your body strong.
After an MS diagnosis, it’s completely normal to feel a range of emotions from anger to sadness. You might even feel relief at finally having an answer, and that’s okay too!
Regardless of your initial reaction, take time to process your feelings. Building a supportive network is helpful both now and in the future.
Support can come from our care team, family, friends, or MS support groups. Connecting with others who have MS can provide emotional support and valuable advice on managing the condition.
Having a reliable network will help you cope with the emotional and physical challenges of relapsing-remitting MS.
Being diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis can feel daunting, but with the right treatment, lifestyle changes, and support, it’s possible to manage the condition and maintain a good quality of life — and our team is here to help you do just that!
If you have questions about your diagnosis, click here to book an appointment. You can also call the location of your choice: Oxnard, Santa Barbara, or Camarillo, California.
