symptoms vs relapses

I have a question:  what exactly is a relapse?  

I have symptoms (mostly pain) that come, stick around for a couple of months, then subside.  And I have some (like "hyperactive bladder") that seem more or less permanent.  

Anyway, since I supposedly have relapsing-remitting, I'd like to know what a relapse is.  Are these episodes of pain considered relapses, or just symptoms of MS? Does a relapse have to be more dramatic, like temporary blindness?

Inquiring minds (and I) want to know...

[grannyhotwheels]

Let me try and answer this question.  Hopefully what I leave out someone else will fill in for you.

A relapse is when old symptoms worsen or new ones appear.  For a symptom to be called a relapse, it must last for more than 24 hours in the absence of fever and be in some way disabeling to you.  Relapses may occur at any time, usually without warning, and can be mild or severe.  Relapses are clearly defined periods when the disease gets worse.  These periods are called relapses, attacks, or exacerbations.

I hope this helps until Quix or someone else can give you a better explanation.

I'll be praying,
Carol

[JonM]

My MD said that it would be new symptoms lasting over 24 hours, or the worsening of existing OR previous symptoms.  My MS vaires constantly and does challenge me to think "is this new or worse?"

Jon