Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Johns Hopkins Medicine COVID-19 Updates Masks are required inside all of our care facilities. We are vaccinating all eligible patients. Learn more: Vaccines, Boosters & Additional Doses Testing Patient Care Visitor Guidelines Coronavirus Email Alerts Find more COVID-19 testing locations on Maryland.gov. CloseSearch Submit Search Popular Searches coronavirus careers medical records map insurance accepted telemedicine Menu Health Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Share on Pinterest Share via Email Print this Page What is relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis In multiple sclerosis (MS), the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, becomes damaged. MS causes the immune system to attack the myelin, which is the insulation protecting the nerves. The nerves themselves can also be damaged. When myelin or the nerves become damaged, nerves cannot properly pass along their signals. The damaging process forms scar tissue called sclerosis, which gives the disease its name of multiple sclerosis. Different types of MS affect people in different ways. One type is called relapsing-remitting MS. With this type, you have flare-ups of the disease, or relapses. Between these flare-ups, you have periods of recovery, or remissions. Most people diagnosed with MS start off with the relapsing-remitting type. In most cases, the course of the disease changes after a few decades and is then likely to become steadily worse. MS most often develops in people in their 20s and 30s. Women are twice as likely to have MS as men. What causes relapsing-remitting MS Multiple sclerosis occurs when your body's immune system attacks the central nervous system, damaging the myelin that protects nerve fibers. Experts believe that environmental factors trigger the disease in people whose genetics make them susceptible to MS. Who is at risk for MS Scientists think MS may be caused by an infection that lays dormant in the body such as Epstein-Barr Virus (the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis) Scientists also think there may be a genetic susceptibility for some people Cigarette smoking appears to increase risk What are the symptoms of relapsing-remitting MS These are often the earliest symptoms of MS: Trouble seeing Sensitivity to heat Numbness, especially in the feet Weakness Fatigue Difficulty thinking clearly Depression Needing to urinate urgently Trouble with balance Lack of coordination Relapsing-remitting MS is marked by relapses that last at least 24 hours. During a relapse, symptoms get worse. A relapse will be followed by a remission. During a remission, symptoms partly or completely go away. How is relapsing-remitting MS diagnosed Healthcare providers use many tests to help diagnose MS. Your healthcare provider will ask you questions about your symptoms. It's important to rule out other diseases that can cause similar symptoms. Your healthcare provider will also check to see how well your vision, your sense of balance, and other functions are working. You will need an MRI scan of your brain and spine. This may find areas of damage in your brain or spinal cord that suggest you may have MS. Another possible test measures what's called visual evoked potentials. Painless electrodes placed on your scalp measure how your brain responds to things you see. Your healthcare provider may want to check your blood for other signs of disease. He or she may also order a test called a spinal tap (also called a lumbar puncture) to look at a sample of your spinal fluid. How is relapsing-remitting MS treated MS is not considered curable, but different types of medicine are available to decrease inflammation and slow down the progression of the disease. These medicines include: Beta-interferon Glatiramer acetate Monoclonal antibodies Dimethyl fumarate Fingolimod Other medicines can be prescribed to treat: Muscle spasms Urge to urinate Depression Erectile dysfunction Fatigue Your healthcare provider may also suggest steroids to reduce symptoms during flare-ups. If steroids are not effective your healthcare provider may recommend plasmapheresis, a blood cleansing procedure. What are the complications of relapsing-remitting MS In most cases, relapsing-remitting MS is mild, although you may need to use a cane or other mobility device. In some cases, the disease is severe and causes the inability to care for yourself. Seldom does it cause death. Living with relapsing-remitting MS If you have relapsing-remitting MS, you can take steps to manage your condition. Physical therapy may help relieve muscle spasms. Eat a diet low in saturated fat and trans-fat. Eat more foods with healthy omega-3 fatty acids because these nutrients are believed to fight inflammation. Talk with a counselor to help with depression. Avoid situations that cause you to become overheated. Avoid smoking. Get a moderate amount of exercise and enough sleep. Key points about relapsing-remitting MS Multiple sclerosis affects young people in their 20's and 30's. MS affects the way your muscles and eyes work. Although there is no cure, medicines can help you manage your symptoms. Adopting a healthy life-style can also help you manage your disease. Avoiding overheating or other triggers can prevent flares of MS. Next steps Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen. Before your visit, write down questions you want answered. Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you. At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you. Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are. Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways. Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean. Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure. If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit. Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions. 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