Relapse prevalence, symptoms, and health care engagement: patient insights from the Multiple Sclerosis in America2017 survey

•Online survey of 5,300 MS patients, 50% moderately and 14% severely disabled.•1 in 5 reported > 2 relapses a year and 2/3 with serious relapse symptoms.•Those relapsing most often were least apt to contact their HCP.•Barriers to contact include lack of HCP helpfulness and medication effectiveness.•HCP follow-up was variable, yet significantly linked to patient satisfaction.