Relapses are the hallmark of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), which include clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), and active secondary progressive MS. During relapses — sometimes called flare-ups or exacerbations — a person may develop new or worsening symptoms of MS that continue for at least 24 hours.

The duration and severity of relapses vary from person to person, depending on where in the central nervous system damage is happening. Some relapses last a couple of days, and others persist for a few months. Any length of time can feel like an eternity during a severe relapse. Read on to find out how long MS relapses last, on average, and what you can do to feel better faster.

MS Relapses Lasting Less Than a Month

In an online survey of 5,300 people with MS, the majority (62.5 percent) reported that their relapses lasted less than one month. Participants also shared how many relapses a year they experienced:

• 44.1 percent — Less than one
• 35.5 percent — One or two
• 20.2 percent — More than two

Many MyMSTeam members report having shorter relapses:

“My last relapse lasted about three weeks,” wrote one member.

“I had my first relapse in 10 years. It lasted 3 1/2 weeks,” another shared.

“All of my relapses have been short-lived and all different symptoms of multiple sclerosis,” noted a third member. “I’ve had MS since I was in my 20s. Now I’m 78 and still pushing through it.”

Once the MS exacerbation subsides, you likely won’t immediately return to your “normal,” or baseline, milder symptoms. It takes time for your body to recover. “The flare itself lasted weeks, but I was bad for three months,” one member reported. “It took me over a year to get back to baseline with some residual effects.”

MS is a chronic (long-term) autoimmune disease, and its course can change over time. In progressive forms of MS, people don’t experience relapses and remissions (periods when symptoms ease or disappear), and symptoms progress gradually. “My relapses used to last three to six weeks on average,” a member said. “Now I’m progressive, so symptoms are daily.”

Read more about what MS relapses feel and look like.

Longer MS Relapses

Of the people with MS in the survey mentioned above, 10.9 percent reported flares lasting one to two months, and 13.6 percent said their relapses persisted for more than two months.

Some MyMSTeam members have also reported experiencing longer relapses. “My first relapse since diagnosis lasted 18 months,” wrote one member.

“I had a relapse that lasted almost five months,” another said.

An MS relapse of any length can take a major toll, but longer ones can test emotional endurance as well as physical limits. “This relapse has lasted four months up to now, and I don’t think I can deal with it anymore,” shared a MyMSTeam member. Fellow members were quick to provide support and recommend ways to talk to a doctor about getting effective treatment.

Taking care of your mental health is just as important to your quality of life as treating your immune system. If you’re experiencing depression or anxiety — both common in people with MS — reach out to your support network of family and friends and in-person or online support groups like MyMSTeam. A healthcare professional can also help connect you with resources.

Getting Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis Relapses

The survey found that only about half (46.9 percent) of participants always or often contacted their doctor about managing relapses. Just 18.5 percent rarely let their doctor know they were having a relapse, and 7.3 percent never reached out to their healthcare provider about relapses.

It’s important to understand that treating a flare-up provides several benefits. Getting treatment for MS flares has been shown to:

• Shorten the amount of time with disabling symptoms
• Improve outcomes
• Help people with MS gain a sense of control over the disease

Always let your healthcare provider know if your MS symptoms have become worse or you’re experiencing a new symptom lasting more than 24 hours.

Treatment options for an MS relapse may include:

• A course of corticosteroids (such as methylprednisolone or Acthar Gel)
• Muscle relaxants
• Plasmapheresis (plasma exchange)
• Physical therapy

Some people may need to decide when to go to the hospital for an MS relapse. “I had a flare-up yesterday,” wrote one member of MyMSTeam. “I’m in the hospital now for a round of steroids. Three new lesions on the brain causing extreme vertigo and numbness of both arms and legs to the point where my hands curled inward — it was very scary.”

Preventing MS Flare-Ups

Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) have been shown to reduce the rate and severity of MS relapses, limit the activity of the disease, and slow the progression of disability. However, these medications must be taken consistently over the long term to have full effect. Your neurologist (specialist in brain and nervous system conditions) may recommend changing your DMTs if relapses are happening more often or side effects become too bothersome — another reason it’s important to communicate with your doctor about relapses.

If time has gone by with no relapses, you may wonder whether your DMT is still needed. But disease activity can continue without noticeable relapses. One MyMSTeam member asked, “How often does MS flare up?” and wondered how long flares last. Another replied: “No one can tell how long an average relapse will last. Everyone is different. Just remember: Even when you’re ‘normal,’ your disease is still active.”

“I had my first flare in 10 years. I spent five days on steroids. Stick with your disease-modifying therapies, and don’t tempt fate!” urged another member.

Read more about treatment options for relapsing MS.

MS relapses are different in each person, varying in length and in severity of symptoms. Let your healthcare team know anytime you think you’re having a relapse. You can discuss possible triggers and next steps for management. If MS symptoms are causing substantial problems in your daily life, seek medical attention promptly.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyMSTeam is the social network for people with multiple sclerosis and their loved ones. On MyMSTeam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with multiple sclerosis.

If you’ve had an MS relapse, how long did it last? What did you do to help manage your symptoms or get back to feeling better faster? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.