Can Stress cause a relapse?

[roseRH]

Hi everyone,
I feel like I am having a relapse. The last one I had was July, 2010. Also, I am under a hightened amout of stress at work this month. Can stress cause or mimic a relapse?

Thanks for your help!

[cosake]

Yes, from what I know, it can with mimic a relapse, or it could actually cause a relapse depending on what else is going on. Hope you can get away from the stress and take a break. Be sure to still report symptoms to your doctor's office.

[heliotrope]

Yes to both. I've had times when an increase in stress is most likely what triggered a flare. I've also had short-term increases cause a pseudo-exacerbation.

[roseRH]

Thank you both so much! Trust me, I would love to take a break, but my job is pretty insane! I have a MRI scheduled w/ nuro. appt. the same day next month. It will be interesting to see what shows up.

[floatingurboat]

Yes indeedy it can. I was told that the extreme amount of stress I was under at the time was the reason I had such a bad relapse I ended up in the hospital. Since then every day has been a step towards eliminating the stressful elements of my life. I used to work well under stress, but apparently MS doesn't.

~Elly