Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) is a type of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) that affects a person’s central nervous system. According to the MS Society, over 150,000 people in the UK are living with MS.
RRMS can drastically change a person’s life. Occasional fatigue, dizziness, balance problems, and numbness in body parts, which we think are not of importance, can develop into a long-term neurological condition.
Relapsing Remitting MS is the most common type of MS, which shows its symptoms even in the early stages of the diagnosis. Although there is no cure for MS now, many people with RRMS lead stable, active, and fulfilling lives with the right treatment, care, and support.
Relapsing Remitting MS is a type of MS where you have relapses followed by remissions. Around 85% of people diagnosed with MS are initially diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting MS.
MS is a disorder characterised by demyelination, in which the body’s immune system attacks the central nervous system, causing white matter lesions that underlie the patient’s symptoms.
The most common form is Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS), where the patient will have new signs emerge or worsening of the older ones. This is called a relapse, flare-up, or exacerbation.
The period between the relapses is a remission(Remitting) period in which the patient makes a partial or complete recovery. The symptoms of RRMS can vary depending on each person and which part of the nervous system is affected.
MS symptoms can vary from person to person. Some experience mild or normal complications, while others may have severe complications and even have to visit A&E.
Types of RRMS symptoms you should look out for:
Around 80% of people with MS experience fatigue throughout the course of the disease. It is the most common MS symptom and can be physically draining and intense.
Pain behind the eye, double vision, or hazy sight are the earliest signs of RRMS. These symptoms may persist throughout the disease, but in some cases, they may resolve over time.
When RRMS relapse occurs, numbness in the legs and arms is the most frequent. The whole body feels an unusual sensation or tingling when moving the body. These can increase in the next relapses.
Living with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis, you can feel off balance or find it hard to walk. Muscle function is also affected; you may feel muscle stiffness, cramps, etc.
Urgency or late urination, constipation, or bowel difficulties may occur in RRMS. These symptoms can be embarrassing, yet they should not be ignored.
MS symptoms affect a person’s mind and emotional state. An individual with RRMS shows signs of forgetfulness, trouble following instructions, etc.
A proper diagnosis for Relapsing Remitting MS is necessary to avoid confusing it with other neurological conditions.
Diagnosing RRMS can sometimes take time because it requires many medical tests, as different symptoms may resemble other neurological conditions. You should consult your GP for further clarification.
In the UK, diagnosis often involves:
Many patients are referred to specialist neurology clinics through the NHS. MS nurses also play a vital role in supporting patients throughout diagnosis and long-term management.
Receiving a diagnosis can bring mixed emotions. Some people feel frightened, while others feel relief at finally understanding the cause of their symptoms.
RRMS Relapse involves acute inflammation in the central nervous system, where the nerves fail to send signals to the body, creating a dysfunction or relapse.
To be considered a genuine relapse, the MS symptoms should:
Generally, relapse can be managed at home with the help of your GP, MS specialist nurse, or other care professionals. In case of severe relapse, hospital treatment is recommended.
MS has no cure currently, but treatments can help reduce relapses and manage MS symptoms:
Steroids are only prescribed for severe relapses, for early recovery and inflammation. Medication and Therapies can help manage MS symptoms such as pain, bladder control, anxiety, etc.
DMTs are medications designed to reduce inflammation and lower the frequency of relapses. These treatments are commonly prescribed through specialist MS services within the NHS.
Different medications suit different patients depending on symptom severity, lifestyle, and overall health.
MS relapse can happen after a full or partial remission (interval between relapses) of Relapsing Remitting MS, and sometimes you can be uncertain of the MS symptoms that triggered the relapse.
The following are the signs that can trigger a MS Relapse:
Infections such as urination infection, flu, and chest infections also worsen a relapse or trigger a relapse. Stress with prolonged anxiety or a chronic condition can create mental strain. MS Home care services in the UK and lifestyle adjustments can improve the daily life of an RRMS patient.
Maintaining your everyday life with Relapsing Remitting MS is achievable with the following tips:
To maintain MS symptoms, many individuals keep daily routines, regular rest periods, or sleep patterns, do mild exercise, prioritising tasks. These small habits build a solid foundation for a healthy lifestyle for RRMS patients.
Living with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis can be overwhelming at times with physical, emotional, and lifestyle challenges that affect everyday life. Secure Healthcare Solutions in the UK provide professional carers and a patient-centred approach. We aim to help individuals living with RRMS continue leading safe, dignified, and fulfilling lives within the comfort of their own homes.
At Secure Healthcare Solutions, Wolverhampton, we understand that every individual’s experience with Multiple Sclerosis is unique. Our compassionate Multiple Sclerosis Care in Wolverhampton services are designed to provide personalised support tailored to each patient’s specific needs, whether it involves assistance with daily activities, mobility support, medication management, or emotional wellbeing.
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