Flare or Excaberation??

Hi KATC1972, it's not a stupid question I didn't know either, so I have just googled it and according to the great wide web, they are the same thing. So don't ever think that anything you need to ask is stupid, because there are others on here who don't know either including me. It's always refreshing to me to learn something new. Have a great day, blessings Jimeka

Hi KATC1972 Awesome question! Cause l didn't know either. 😞 I looked it up like jimeka did 😁 this is what l found in there glossary.

Relapse (or exacerbation): A temporary worsening or recurrence of existing symptoms and/or the appearance of new symptoms (also called an “acute attack;” definition shown above), caused by inflammation occurring along the nerves and the myelin. This can range from a few days in duration to a few months, followed by a complete or partial recovery (remission). Acute physical symptoms and neurological signs must be present for at least 24 to 48 hours, without any signs of infection or fever, before the treating physician may consider this type of flare-up to be a true relapse. Treatments may improve recovery time.

I was thinking that an exacerbation was a temporary thing ( from infection, fever, overheating, fatigue etc.) and that a true relapse was a longer process with more permanent resulting deficits. So at first, with my recent virus, I put symptoms down to 'exacerbation' from virus, then realised after getting over the virus and having the continued worsening symptoms, it must be a true relapse. I had no idea they meant the same thing ! I wonder what the term for a temporary worsening of symptoms from infection/virus/overheating etc is then ? x

@Katc1972, it's Fancy1959. First things first there are no stupid questions. In this chat room with over 1300 people listed as members there are probably dozens and dozens who have the same question you've listed but never ever asked it for fear of someone saying it was a stupid question. So to you I said Bravo!

Second, if you're not happy with your neurologist attitude toward you or the way he speaks to you look around see if you can five different neurologist. A good place to start your search with your family doctor, they can recommend neurologist, that through the grapevine they have heard are good ones. If that doesn't supply you with names of good neurologist, check back with me I'll give you a different way to look for some in your area.

Finally I have always thought that in exacerbation and a flare up of your MS symptoms work pretty much the same thing. I will do some checking and if this is not so I'll be replying back to you here shortly. Have a happy New Year! We're glad you're part of our extended family and all your questions are important to us. Remember together we are stronger!

Katc1972, it's fancy back. In exacerbation nand MS flare are one in the same thing like several of us have said. Google it if you want to double-check and read more about it. Have a happy New Year! Take care and hope to talk to you soon!

How does that go, "The only stupid question is one that is not asked".

An exacerbation of MS (also known as a relapse, attack or flare-up) causes new symptoms or the worsening of old symptoms.

KATC1972 I have a question regarding your neurologist comment that he couldn't do anything now. Had you started feeling better before you saw him? If so, then there wasn't anything to do at that point. When you started to feel worse did you try to get in to see him and just had to wait for an appt?

I had MRIs close together like that which showed progression. As far as taking that long for an appt, I don't think that unreasonable. If you had a flare it didn't last so long. And I have found that once a flare occurs w a new symptom that symptom stays with me, not as often or intense. It sounds lime a new MRI was a good call, but I'm not a doctor.

Keep us posted.

KATC1972 sounds like your relapse is over. So there is no point in giving you the solumedrol now😞 Hopefully things will calm down for soon. Let us know what bothers you and see if we can help.😊

Jes🌠

What I was told when I thought I was having a relapse a few weeks ago, was that a relapse always presents with a new symptom. Flare-ups and exacerbation are generally the same. One is a $25.00 word, the other a $100.00 word. I'm at almost 9 months into having this disease and learning about it every day.