Understanding and Managing Relapses

This virtual education series clarifies one of the most confusing parts of multiple sclerosis: what a true relapse is — and what it is not — while also addressing “smoldering” MS (progression that can accumulate between relapses). We compare relapsing disease courses with primary progressive MS (PPMS) to set expectations for monitoring and treatment conversations. Each session focuses on practical strategies for managing symptoms (e.g., fatigue, mobility, pain, cognition, mood, etc.), tracking disability progression, and preparing for appointments. A neurologist and MS patient advocate duo leads culturally relevant discussions for Black women, with clear analogies, downloadable tools, and interactive Q&A.

This program aims to:

Demystify relapse vs. flare/pseudo-relapse and introduce smoldering MS (progression independent of relapses).
Build literacy on MS disease courses with emphasis on primary progressive MS (PPMS) vs. relapsing disease and what that means for evaluation and care.
Increase ability to recognize and track disability progression (mobility, dexterity, vision, cognition) and know when to escalate care.
Strengthen day-to-day managing symptoms through practical strategies (fatigue, pain/spasticity, mood, bladder/bowel, heat sensitivity) and personalized action plans.
Improve confidence in self-identification and reporting of relapses, smoldering change, and disability progression; prepare questions and goals for provider visits.