When do you know it is Secondary progressive MS?

[Suzie9]

If after many years of frequent relapses you find yourself not having any anymore, for say two years, with some problems but not dramatically worsening, could this be secondary progressive MS? Or is it possible for relapses to become less frequent?

Are there any signs to look out for that it may be turning into secondary progressive MS?

What good treatments are available ( In UK)? Are there any new medications been trialed?

Sorry for all the questions.

[Suzie9]

Thank you for the info.xx

[essdipity]

I think what often happens is that there's quite a delay before making the decision that it's now progressive, just in case the DMD is still giving at least some effect. But ultimately, yes. The meds would then be only symptom relief, plus of course, PT and that kind of thing could be continued or added..

I don't think stem cell treatments will be readily available for the forseeable future. Experimentally this is happening now. And other traditional meds are in the pipeline for all forms of MS. It's a good idea for all of us to keep as current as we can on these developments, and we're fortunate that quite a few members here post links to interesting research stories.

ess

[Suzie9]

Thank you for your reply.

So your whole medication would have to change I presume?

How close are we to stem cell therapy being used?

This is not me I am referring to with this question by the way, but someone I know.

[essdipity]

This is a difficult question, which may be more or less a judgment call that the neuro and patient make together.

If your MS is not worsening, then I don't think you've reached a progressive form. You may be in a very long remission, which doesn't necessarily mean no symptoms, but does mean a degree of stability. This is good.

There are no DMDs for progressive MS, unfortunately. I know Copaxone is being tried, but I don't believe sufficient data are in to be sure how effective it might be for a significant number of patients. These, I think, have PPMS, but the logical would seem the same.

ess