Featuring Barry A. Hendin, MD MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer
Question: How do you determine when a relapse is severe enough to be treated with IV steroids versus waiting to see if the relapse will go away on its own? Also, if a patient does not receive IV steroids, what other treatments or changes in lifestyle may be recommended for a less-severe relapse?
Answer: Clinicians vary widely in their threshold for using steroids for relapses… and patients vary widely in their desire to be treated with steroids for relapses. The most common use of steroids is for a relapse that interferes with function. For example, severe vertigo, weakness, or gait dysfunction are common symptoms that can greatly interfere with function.
A Closer Look at The Importance of Treating and Managing MS Relapses featuring Stephen Krieger, MD
Managing the unpredictability of multiple sclerosis is always challenging, especially for individuals with relapsing forms of the disease. When new symptoms appear or existing symptoms become worse, successful management involves accurately defining the relapse and understanding the best method of treatment.
Recognizing the need for additional awareness on this topic, MSAA is proud to announce the completion of its latest educational on-demand video, titled: A Closer Look at The Importance of Treating and Managing MS Relapses.
Supported by an educational grant from Questcor Pharmaceuticals, this 40-minute video features neurologist and MS expert Dr. Stephen Krieger of Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City. In this relaxed, conversational-style interview, Dr. Krieger provides:
valuable insights into understanding the signs and symptoms of an MS relapse
guidance on when to discuss the onset of a flare up with a neurologist
a thorough explanation of the various treatment options including steroids and other medications
To view this new program, A Closer Look at The Importance of Treating and Managing MS Relapses – with chapter stops during the video – please visit support.mymsaa.org/relapsevideo.
To view all of the informative on-demand videos and archived webinars from the MSi library, please visit mymsaa.org/videos.
