During an MS relapse, neurological symptoms usually appear suddenly. These can be new signs of MS or already existing symptoms that become worse. MS symptoms, such as vision problems or signs of paralysis, appear within a few hours or days and last more than 24 hours. Using different clinical criteria, the neurologist usually makes the diagnosis quickly and begins to treat the relapse of MS.

Treatment of an acute relapse of MS may include daily infusions of corticosteroids for three to five days, possibly followed by a decreasing dose of oral corticosteroids. The use of high-dose corticosteroids usually results in regression of inflammatory reactions and symptoms but has no long-term influence on the course of the disease.

Plasmapheresis is a second acute treatment option for clinically severe relapses that do not respond sufficiently to infused corticosteroids. This is a procedure in which blood plasma is separated from blood cells outside the body. Plasma exchange involves collecting blood and removing blood plasma components that are considered harmful. For plasmapheresis, you need to go to a hospital.

A disease-modifying therapy can have a lasting positive effect on the course of the disease. It can reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks. At the same time, it can slow the progression of the disability.

In recent years, the range of disease-modifying therapies has grown steadily, with many options available in the form of pens, tablets, capsules, injections or infusions.

Today, the majority of therapies are aimed at keeping the disease activity under control in the early phase with a MS therapy and thus delay the progression of the disease.

During the course of the disease, different symptoms of varying intensity may appear with a sometimes significant impact on the patient's life. Some measures can be taken depending on the individual situation. In general, sports, physical training, and physiotherapy help to mitigate many symptoms and help to improve quality of life, mobility, and mood.

Tense and stiff muscles can be loosened by early physiotherapy, as well as by taking relaxants. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy help reduce tremors which can also be treated with medication. Pain treatment is also possible in the case of chronic pain, but it must be tailored to the patient.

Dysfunction of the bladder or digestive system can present itself as the urge to urinate or in the form of incontinence, and should be examined by a urologist. Specific treatments may be needed to prevent kidney damage. Pelvic floor rehabilitation can also be helpful.

To delay the decline in cognitive abilities, there are many memory and concentration exercises. Due to the wide variety of these exercises, it is important to choose the most suitable ones and discuss them with your doctor.

Other symptoms such as fatigue, sexual dysfunction, or mood swings may also occur during the course of the disease. Therefore, psychological or psychiatric consultation should be initiated at an early stage, in order to counteract possible depression early on.