What are pseudo-flares in multiple sclerosis?
A pseudo-flare (also called a pseudoexacerbation or pseudo-relapse) is a temporary worsening of your existing MS symptoms that mimics a true relapse but isn't caused by new disease activity or inflammation.
The key difference is that pseudo-flares don't involve new damage to Show Full Answer
What are pseudo-flares in multiple sclerosis?
A pseudo-flare (also called a pseudoexacerbation or pseudo-relapse) is a temporary worsening of your existing MS symptoms that mimics a true relapse but isn't caused by new disease activity or inflammation.
The key difference is that pseudo-flares don't involve new damage to your central nervous system. Instead, they're triggered by external factors that temporarily impair your nervous system.
Common triggers include:
* Infections (especially urinary tract infections - the most common cause)
* Heat or hot weather
* Fever
* Stress (emotional or physical)
* Physical exertion or overexertion
* New medications
* Depression
How they differ from true relapses:
Pseudo-flares typically last less than 24 hours and resolve once you address the underlying trigger. They don't cause permanent damage or contribute to long-term disability. True relapses, on the other hand, last longer than 24 hours, are caused by new inflammation, and can leave lasting effects.
As one MyMSTeam member shared: "When I am tired, hot, or stressed, I will have a pseudo-flare. Once I am cool, calm, and collected, my symptoms go away."
If you're experiencing worsening symptoms and aren't sure whether it's a pseudo-flare or true relapse, contact your neurologist for evaluation.
November 13, 2025
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