stages of MS

[Christine418]

What exactly determines the stage of MS? (symptoms?)

[kwarendorf]

I want to avoid any confusion here. In SPMS there may or may not be any relapses and may or may not be any remissions. This is from the Natl. MS Society web site.

"SPMS begins with an initial relapsing-remitting disease course, followed by progression of disability (3a) that may include occasional relapses and minor remissions and plateaus (3b). Typically, secondary-progressive disease is characterized by: less recovery following attacks, persistently worsening functioning during and between attacks, and/or fewer and fewer attacks (or none at all) accompanied by progressive disability. According to some natural history studies, of the 85% who start with relapsing-remitting disease, more than 50% will develop SPMS within 10 years; 90% within 25 years. More recent natural history studies (perhaps because of the use of MRI to assist in the diagnosis) suggest a more benign outlook than these numbers suggest. Nevertheless, many patients with RRMS do develop SPMS ultimately."

I was dx with SPMS. I'm not sure what is on the insurance claim forms, but I have been receiving Tysabri since my dx. @$6,500 per treatment I'm very happy my insurance is covering it!

Kyle

[Lulu54]

This is so dependent on your neurologist as well -is s/he willing to fight to keep you on a DMD even though you might be SPMS, which has been PROVEN to respond ot these front line drugs. For most insurers, once you are labeled SPMS, the drug pipeline is cut off and you are left just treating symptoms.

Do you have questions about your own diagnosis?  

[PastorDan]

Minor point (minor, unless you have it): in Secondary Progressive MS, there are less likely to be REMISSIONS.  Relapses are MORE likely.

[Christine418]

thanks, will be getting the book

[kwarendorf]

There are 4 main types of MS.

Two of these types are related; relapsing/remitting and secondary progressive.

During relapsing/remitting there are periods when the disease is active (relapsing) and periods when the disease is inactive (remitting). Its during the relapsing phase that symptoms are present. During the remitting stage symptoms are not present or are less severe than during a relapse.

A significant number of people with Relapsing/remitting MS move on to Secondary progressive MS. In secondary progressive MS there are less likely to be relapses. There is a steady advancing of the disease. In my case, thankfully, the advancing is taking its sweet time :-)

The other 2 types of MS are progressive relapsing and primary progressive. These are distinct types of MS. They occur less frequently and tend to be more severe.

Kyle