Great question! The good news is that surgery and anesthesia in general do not increase the risk of MS relapse. Research looking at hundreds of surgeries found that only a very small number of people experienced a relapse afterward, and those cases were likely linked to other factors like infection or changes in body Show Full Answer
Great question! The good news is that surgery and anesthesia in general do not increase the risk of MS relapse. Research looking at hundreds of surgeries found that only a very small number of people experienced a relapse afterward, and those cases were likely linked to other factors like infection or changes in body temperature. That said, there are some things worth keeping in mind when planning any surgery with MS:
- Infection risk – Infections after surgery can worsen MS symptoms, so prevention and wound care are really important
- Body temperature – Even a 1-degree rise in body temperature can trigger a flare, so surgical teams should monitor this closely
- Breathing – If MS has affected your respiratory function, let your surgeon and anesthesiologist know ahead of time
- Muscle relaxants – Some MS medications combined with the anesthesia drug succinylcholine can cause abnormally high potassium levels, so your medical team needs to know all your current medications
- Recovery time – People with MS may need longer recovery periods and extra support
The most important step is having an open conversation with your neurologist and surgical team before the procedure so everyone is on the same page. Delaying necessary surgery out of fear isn't recommended, as that can create its own health risks.
September 7
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