Relapses in Multiple Sclerosis: Definition, Pathophysiology, Features, Imitators, and Treatment

Abstract

Relapse in multiple sclerosis (MS) is defined as a neurologic deficit associated with an acute inflammatory demyelinating event that lasts at least 24 hours in the absence of fever and infection. Myelinoclasis and axonal transection occur in relapses. Diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and many other features of the disease are directly related to the relapses. MS starts as the relapsing-remitting (RRMS) form in 85% of patients. A large number of relapses in the first years, polysymptomatic relapses, and pyramidal system, brain stem, and spinal cord involvement are signs of a poor outcome. The average frequency of relapses is approximately one per year during the first years of RRMS. The frequency of relapses increases during systemic infections, psychological stress, and in the first 3 months after birth. Seventy-five percent of relapses are monosymptomatic. Pseudo-relapses and paroxysmal symptoms are distinguished from relapses by their sudden onset, sudden termination, and shorter duration. Contrast enhancement is valuable in imaging, but undetectable in most relapses. The regression in the first few weeks of relapses is explained by reduction of the edema, and by remyelination in the following months. Relapses and their features are also among the main determinants of treatment. High-dose methylprednisolone and early treatment with adrenocorticotropic hormone reduce post-relapse disability and shorten the duration of relapses. Plasmapheresis is a good option for patients who do not respond to steroid treatment. Identification of relapses by patients and physicians, distinguishing them from imitators, proper evaluation, treatment when necessary, and monitoring the results are of great importance for patients with MS. The educational levels of patients and physicians regarding these parameters should be increased. Well-designed studies that evaluate the long-term effect of relapse treatment on disability are needed. Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, relapse, definition, features, treatmentMultipl sklerozda (MS) ateş ve enfeksiyon yokken en az 24 saat süren akut enflamatuvar demiyelinizan süreçle uyumlu nörolojik defisitler atak olarak tanımlanır. Ataklarda miyelin yıkımı ve aksonal transeksiyon oluşur. Hastalığın tanısı, seyri, tedavisi ve diğer birçok özelliği ataklarla doğrudan ilişkilidir. MS hastaların %85'inde atak ve düzelmelerle giden formda başlar. İlk yıllarda atak sayısının fazla olması, atakların birden çok semptomla ortaya çıkması, motor sistemi içermesi, beyin sapı ya da spinal atak formunda olması kötü prognoz göstergeleridir. Atak ve düzelmelerle giden formun başlangıç yıllarında yıllık ortalama atak sayısı 1'dir.Sistemik enfeksiyonlar, psişik stres ve postpartum 3 aylık dönemde atak sıklığı artar. Atakların %75'i monosemptomatiktir. Yalancı ataklar ve paroksismal bulgular genellikle ani başlayıp ani sonlanmalarıyla ve kısa sürmeleriyle ataklardan ayrılır. Görüntülemede kontrast tutulumu değerlidir, ancak atakların çoğunda saptanamaz. Ataklarda ilk birkaç hafta içindeki düzelme ödem etkisinin azalması...

Association Between Serum Vitamin D Levels and Frequency of Relapses in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

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Using personalized prognosis in the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis: A practical guide

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Costs of Multiple Sclerosis According to the Level of Disability: A Systematic Review Study

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