A to Z of MS Anaesthesia
Studies have failed to find any connection between anaesthesia and an increased risk of relapse or a worsening of MS symptoms. As a result, for the majority of people with MS, there is no need to avoid anaesthesia when required, including epidural anaesthesia during childbirth.
The NICE Guideline for the management of MS, which was developed after an extensive review of published research, states "people with MS should be encouraged to have any surgery they need, using whichever anaesthetic technique is appropriate. There is no known increase in the risk of relapse."
The potential exception is people with severe, advanced MS, who may be seriously weakened or have respiratory problems that would put them at greater risk for anaesthetic complications.
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If this information doesn't answer your questions, please email the MS Trust Information Service or ring us on 01462 476700.
