Stages of Multiple Sclerosis: What To Know

Multiple Sclerosis is a condition in which the body attacks its central nervous system, leading to a disruption in the nerve impulses sent down the spinal cord. While there is no cure, the best Multiple Sclerosis treatment can slow the progression of the disease and reduce the intensity of its symptoms. Since its symptoms often come and go, and may worsen as the patient gets older, knowing in advance how the disease is likely to progress can ensure that the patient gets the best Multiple Sclerosis treatment as soon as possible. 

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the central nervous system. It is an autoimmune demyelinating disease, which means the immune system mistakenly attacks normal tissues — in this case, the myelin or protective covering around nerve fibers. This leaves scarred tissues or lesions in multiple areas, disrupting impulses throughout the body. When the myelin sheath is damaged, nerve impulses slow or even stop, causing neurological problems.

Getting a diagnosis

The early symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis include dizziness, fatigue, pain, and numbness or tingling in one or more limbs. If you have been displaying one or more of these symptoms, or if you have a family history of the condition, you should see a doctor right away. Your physician will conduct the necessary tests and rule out any other possibilities that could explain your symptoms. For a definitive diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, your physician will check whether you have had episodes of disease activity in your central nervous system at two different points in time.

The stages of Multiple Sclerosis

In the early days after your diagnosis, lifestyle changes and medication are generally enough to manage your symptoms. As the disease progresses, however, you will need additional treatment or even palliative care if the symptoms worsen beyond a point. Typically, Multiple Sclerosis manifests in the following stages.

Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS)

This is the first episode of damage or inflammation to the myelin sheaths. As an isolated incident, CIS does not technically meet the criteria for a Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis. If an MRI reveals another episode as having happened before, however, the diagnosis can be made.

Relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS)

About 85% of patients are diagnosed with RRMS. This type of Multiple Sclerosis follows a pattern of symptom flare-ups with periods of remission in between. As the condition progresses over a few decades, the symptoms may show up in a more complex fashion.

Secondary-progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS)

Patients with RRMS often experience a lapse of the symptoms into SPMS, particularly if the RRMS is left untreated. In SPMS, you will still see episodes of symptom flare-ups followed by remission, but the periods of remission, in this case, are very brief. Moreover, the disease progressively worsens, as do the symptoms.

Primary-progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS)

About 15% of patients are diagnosed with this variant of Multiple Sclerosis. This is a relatively uncommon form of the condition, wherein the symptoms progressively become worse with no remission in between. Patients may occasionally see minor, temporary improvements in function as the disease progresses.

Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis

While most cases of Multiple Sclerosis manifest in adulthood, between two and five percent of patients notice symptoms before they are 18 years old. Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis follows a course similar to that of the adult version. Some children, however, experience additional symptoms like lethargy and seizures. The condition may also progress more slowly than in adults.

Complications at the final stages

While symptoms at earlier stages include muscle pain, numbness, and fatigue, there may be additional complications that arise at the final stages of Multiple Sclerosis. Some of the commonly observed complications include

• Paralysis/limited mobility

• Difficulty breathing

• Depression and mood swings

• Severe muscle pain

• Speech complications

Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis

There are a variety of medical and lifestyle-related options to help you manage your symptoms at different stages of the condition. The best Multiple Sclerosis treatment will typically include a combination of Stem Cell Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Speech and Language Therapy to help you perform daily activities better. Over-the-counter medications, exercise, healthy eating, and relaxation techniques can help manage symptoms such as pain or numbness. As the disease progresses, palliative care or hospice care are options that your physician may recommend.

Maintaining a high quality of life can be difficult as Multiple Sclerosis progresses, but it is possible with the right treatment plan and the right support system. Families can help by preparing the patient mentally for what to expect and by providing unconditional love and support through this challenging time.