COVID-19 Infection May Increase Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Risk

Understanding the Connection Between COVID-19 Infection and MS Relapses

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised many questions and concerns for those living with autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS). Uncertainty remains about how infection may affect the progression of diseases like MS. Recent patient reports indicate some alarming similarities between lingering COVID-19 symptoms and common MS relapses.

Key MS Relapse Symptoms

A relapse refers to the reappearance of previous MS symptoms or the development of new ones, which is caused by inflammation damaging myelin in the central nervous system. Some hallmark symptoms of MS relapses include:

Fatigue and weakness
Numbness or tingling
Vision changes or eye pain
Dizziness or vertigo
Bladder dysfunction
Mobility and balance issues
Cognitive dysfunction

These frustrating symptoms can develop over hours, days or weeks during a relapse before eventually improving or resolving. A relapse may be classified as mild, moderate or severe depending on factors like severity and duration of symptoms.

COVID-19 Infection's Impact on MS Disease Activity

Many recent patient anecdotes note increased MS disease activity including new lesions and relapses occurring shortly after COVID-19 infection. However, limited research is available currently quantifying any relationship. One early 2021 study based on MS patient reporting found:

43% of respondents experienced new MS symptoms within 3 weeks after COVID-19 infection
64% attributed their new symptoms to an MS relapse rather than to infection itself

Additional research is still greatly needed, but these initial findings are concerning if COVID-19 may be directly triggering relapses. You should discuss any new or worsening symptoms promptly with your neurologist following COVID-19 infection.

Explaining the Potential Connection

Doctors and researchers have a few theories that may explain the apparent link between contracting COVID-19 and experiencing an MS relapse:

Severe Infection Stressing the Body

Battling any major infection takes a significant toll. The inflammation, fever and metabolic disturbances of serious COVID-19 sickness could hypothetically overwhelm autoimmune disease regulation.

Virus Disrupting Protective Blood-Brain Barrier

Some emerging evidence hints that COVID-19 infection may damage the protective blood-brain barrier which could enable flare ups of pre-existing central nervous system conditions.

Medications Being Adjusted

To treat COVID-19 symptoms, some disease-modifying MS therapies may be temporarily stopped which removes their protective, relapse preventing effects.

However, much more investigation is required to determine if these theories hold merit or if unknown factors link COVID-19 infection with increased MS activity.

Comparing COVID-19 'Long Haul' Symptoms to Common MS Relapse Symptoms

Many recovering COVID-19 patients report battling so-called "long COVID" characterized by persistent symptoms like fatigue, brain fog and loss of smell or taste. These lingering effects resonate with those familiar with MS relapses. Let's examine some key areas of overlap between post-COVID syndrome and MS relapse symptoms.

Fatigue

Extreme fatigue makes up one of the most widespread and disruptive symptoms for those living with MS. Over 80% of patients deal with higher-than-normal fatigue levels. A recurring complaint among long haul COVID-19 patients involves debilitating, unrelenting exhaustion as well.

While post-viral fatigue tends to gradually improve over weeks to months, long COVID fatigue mirrors the intense tiredness and depletion seen in MS flare ups, which can persist despite ample rest.

Cognitive Dysfunction

Around 50% of MS patients struggle with some degree of cognitive changes like impaired recall, shorter attention span, slower processing speed or difficulties managing complex tasks. This brain fog connects closely to the sluggishness and mental disconnect reported by those with lingering COVID-19 effects.

In one small 2021 study of individuals recovering from infection, over 85% experienced significant brain fog, trouble thinking clearly and difficulty concentrating - aligning closely with cognitive complaints during an MS relapse.

Nuisance Sensory Changes

MS flare ups often generate sensory symptoms like numbness or tingling in the limbs. However COVID-19 markedly impacts senses like taste and smell for some patients. Lost or distorted smell and muted flavors continuing months after the acute infection disappear constitute a top frustration cited by long haulers.

While not identical, these sensory complaints converge on upending everyday functions and quality of life similar to MS sensory flare ups.

Mobility Difficulties

Numb, weakened legs contribute directly to mobility challenges characteristic of MS disability progression. Physical therapists work diligently with MS patients on maintaining strength, balance and conditioning to preserve independence through symptoms.

Parallels exist with a percentage of former COVID-19 patients who report newfound instability, coordination troubles, muscle weakness and fatigue limiting mobility at home, work and recreationally months later.

Coping Strategies for MS Patients Recovering From COVID-19

If you are living with MS and dealing with long lasting effects after overcoming a COVID-19 infection, utilize these self-care tips to help alleviate symptoms:

Continue resting

Don't ignore extreme tiredness in hopes it resolves itself. Make rest, relaxation and sleep a top priority, even if it means postponing certain tasks or asking for help with household obligations.

Speak with your neurologist

Promptly report lingering neurological symptoms or suspected MS relapse activity to your MS healthcare providers so they can evaluate and treat any inflammatory damage or progression.

Connect with others recovering from COVID-19

Bond with support groups and friends combating their own long COVID frustrations. Talking through the prolonged battle against the virus can provide emotional relief and inspiration.

Pace daily activities

Scale back physically and mentally draining tasks for a period until strength returns. Schedule frequent breaks to reenergize as needed while rebuilding capacity.

Practice stress reduction

Anxiety negatively impacts many virus and MS related symptoms. Try calming modalities like yoga, meditation, massage or counseling to improve coping ability.

While the process of recovering from COVID-19 can seem discouragingly perpetual, have patience with your body and utilize your self-care skills developed as an MS patient. Connect with your healthcare team for guidance managing any specific MS concerns in the aftermath of coronavirus infection.

Importance of Preventing COVID-19 Infection for MS Patients

Given the unpleasant prospect that battling COVID-19 may exacerbate MS, upholding strong preventative practices remains essential for those with MS until the virus threat resolves.

Protect yourself using strategies like:

Get recommended COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters
Continue wearing masks in public areas or large gatherings
Practice physical distancing when infection rates climb in your community
Wash hands thoroughly and often
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

While inconvenient, adhering to public health advice can pay off tremendously by minimizing COVID-19 exposure risk. Stay in touch with your neurologist about any unique considerations given your MS symptoms or treatments as pandemic circumstances evolve.

FAQs

Should I stop my MS DMT medication if I get COVID-19?

Talk to your neurologist, but they may advise temporarily halting certain DMTs while sick if they could potentially worsen COVID-19 infection severity. However, the relapse protection they provide would be missed.

How long might increased MS symptoms last after COVID-19?

It varies, but be alert for new MS activity for 4-6 weeks following infection at minimum. Some neurologists extend MRI monitoring for new lesions out to 6 months post COVID-19 diagnosis to check for delayed effects.

Will getting a COVID-19 vaccination cause an MS relapse?

No evidence suggests any vaccines pose relapse risk. Leading MS groups strongly advise patients get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 given the proven risks from infection itself.

Could symptoms be from long COVID rather than an MS relapse?

It can be hard to differentiate origins of new symptoms after COVID-19 infection. Track closely via a symptom journal, and promptly seek guidance from your neurologist if any neurological symptoms develop or progress.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.