Diagnosis Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis Progressive MS

Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

In Switzerland around 18.000 people are currently living with MS. In about 85% of patients MS begins as RRMS, characterized by relapses.

What is 'relapsing-remitting' MS (RRMS)?

RRMS is characterised by recurrent attacks of MS, which are clearly distinguishable from each other and may leave after-effects but not necessarily. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that can progress over time and at a different rate from person to person.

Waht is relapsing remitting MS

The period between two attacks is a period of remission, during which the disability does not progress.

How do you recognise a MS relapse?

The symptoms of MS and the severity of MS relapses may vary greatly. It depends on which area of the brain or spinal cord is affected. Symptoms can be visual (e.g. blurred vision), sensory (e.g. pins and needles), or motor (e.g. limb weakness), among others.

A relapse is when: 

  • new symptoms appear or existing symptoms worsen within hours or days and those symptoms persist at least 24 hours;
  • symptoms cannot be explained by a change in body temperature (Uhthoff phenomenon) or infections; or
  • further MS symptoms appear within a month. This is counted as just one relapse.

In the early years of the disease, MS symptoms may disappear partially or completely after a relapse. Time periods between two relapses can range from months to even years.

Tell your doctor whenever you experience a relapse

Do you think you might have a relapse of MS? Go to your neurologist as soon as possible. A relapse is a sign of disease activity and a change in your treatment regimen might be necessary. Ask your neurologist for the right treatment for you to best manage your disease. Even though there is currently no cure for MS, there are highly effective therapies on the market to help you lead a normal life as much as possible.

For more information on flare-up treatment click here.

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Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Society. https://www.multiplesklerose.ch/fr/ (last accessed 09.04.2024).

Neurologen und Psychiater im Netz über Multiple Sklerose (MS), https://www.neurologen-und-psychiater-im-netz.org/neurologie/erkrankungen/multiple-sklerose-ms (in German, last accessed 09.04.2024).

Atlas of MS 3rd edition. International MS Federation, https://www.atlasofms.org/map/global/epidemiology/number-of-people-withms (last accessed 09.04.2024).

AMSEL e. V. Deutscher Verband für MS-Betroffene, www.amsel.de (in German, last accessed 09.04.2024).

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Hope-Through-Research/Multiple-Sclerosis-Hope-Through-Research#whatisMS (last accessed 09.04.2024).

MS Trust https://mstrust.org.uk/, (last accessed 09.04.2024).