Yes, high stress can trigger MS flare-ups (relapses) and worsen existing symptoms, though scientists haven't definitively proven stress causes the initial development of the autoimmune disease; however, many people report stress before their first symptoms, and studies link significant stressors (like trauma, family issues, financial worries) to increased relapse risk, with stress management techniques like mindfulness showing benefits.
FAQs about MS Flare-ups
Several earlier small case–control studies have reported a significant association between emotional stress, negative life events, mental health symptoms and an increased risk of MS [6, 7, 8], whilst other case–control studies have reported negligible findings [9, 10, 11].
People call relapses by different names including an attack, episode, flare up or an exacerbation. Relapses can last anywhere between a few days, up to weeks or even months. In between relapses are periods of remission where you may have no symptoms, or your symptoms are relatively stable.
In a new multicenter observational cohort study published in JAMA Neurology, approximately one-fourth of relapses in multiple sclerosis (MS) were not associated with new T2 lesions or gadolinium-enhanced T1 lesions on brain and spinal cord MRI, being classified as acute clinical events with stable MRI (ACES).
Neuromyelitis optica is often misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, or is seen as a type of MS . But NMO is a different condition. Neuromyelitis optica can cause blindness, weakness in the legs or arms, and painful spasms.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
Tests used to diagnose MS may include: MRI, which can reveal areas of MS on the brain and spinal cord. These areas are called lesions. A contrast dye may be given through an IV to highlight lesions that show the disease is in an active phase.
Increased weakness or stiffness. Vision changes. More intense pain or discomfort. Numbness or tingling in areas of your body that had previously been unaffected.
Does poor sleep make MS worse? Poor sleep might make some of your MS symptoms feel worse, including fatigue, pain and memory and thinking. Finding ways to sleep better could help you manage these symptoms.
PTSD and Chronic Stress Caused by Trauma May Play a Role in Findings. Childhood trauma results in PTSD and chronic stress, which may be partly how it influences the likelihood a person will develop MS, says Jacobs.
How is chronic stress treated?
Antihistamines
Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec), are commonly used to manage allergies. However, these drugs can also make some MS-related symptoms worse.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the CNS that results from the interplay between heritable and environmental factors. Mounting evidence from different fields of research supports the pivotal role of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the development of multiple sclerosis.
Experts aren't sure why some people develop MS. Research suggests the following may contribute to an elevated risk of developing MS: Smoking. Toxin exposure, like secondhand smoke and pesticides. Low levels of vitamin D.
The hot bath test reflects the effect of heat that many people with MS notice. Hot weather, hot baths or showers, exercising or an infection can all raise your internal body temperature. The raised temperature can cause your MS symptoms to appear or worsen. This is known as Uhthoff's phenomenon.
MS can damage the nerves in your spinal cord or brain that control your muscles. That can cause painful muscle spasms. Nerve pain can also cause painful or unusual sensations on the skin. These types of pain can happen anywhere but are usually in the face, arms and legs.
These include fibromyalgia and vitamin B12 deficiency, muscular dystrophy (MD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease), migraine, hypo-thyroidism, hypertension, Beçhets, Arnold-Chiari deformity, and mitochondrial disorders, although your neurologist can usually rule them out quite easily.
Vision problems
The most common problems with vision in MS are optic neuritis and eye movement problems. Optic neuritis is often an early symptom of multiple sclerosis, although you might have problems with your eyes at any time.
Research suggests that stress can worsen MS symptoms, triggering flare-ups and increasing fatigue (National Multiple Sclerosis Society). Managing mental health proactively can help stabilize symptoms, improve well-being, and enhance overall quality of life.
More specifically, a brain or head MRI can show if there are any abnormalities in your brain or the surrounding tissues, including, but not limited to: Inflammation and swelling. Structural issues. Abnormal growths or masses.
Invisible symptoms of MS – fatigue, pain, blurred vision, numbness, and brain fog – which often go unnoticed by other people, can also interfere with daily functioning and be just as debilitating.
An MRI scanner uses a strong magnetic field to create a detailed image of inside your brain and spinal cord. It's very accurate and can pinpoint the exact location and size of inflammation, damage or scarring (lesions). MRI scans confirm a diagnosis in over 90 per cent of people with MS.
Other more advanced symptoms include hand weakness, wrist drop (difficulty raising hand), curling fingers, poor sensation. You may notice that you drop items or have difficulty gauging how to pick up an item.