The Four Types of Multiple Sclerosis - Plexus
A Comprehensive Guide
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, neurodegenerative
and inflammatory condition that attacks
the central nervous system (CNS). It corrupts the immune system, making it work
against the body.
MS is characterized by
inflammation, demyelination, and subsequent damage to nerve fibers. This blog
offers a comprehensive analysis of the four main types of multiple sclerosis,
along with their symptoms, and the quality of life each one comes with.
Types of Multiple Sclerosis
There are four distinct
types of multiple sclerosis, each with its own characteristics, prognosis, and
treatment approach. A proper understanding of the different types of MS is
critical for managing the condition effectively. Let’s understand the four
types of MS:
Relapsing-Remitting Multiple
Sclerosis (RRMS)
Relapsing-remitting MS
(RRMS) is the most common type of multiple sclerosis. Approximately 85% of
people diagnosed with MS have RRMS. It is characterized by periods of relapse
or exacerbation. During these periods, new symptoms can emerge or the existing
ones can worsen. These relapses are followed by periods of remission. During
this phase, the symptoms may partially or completely disappear, although some
residual symptoms may persist.
Secondary-Progressive Multiple
Sclerosis (SPMS)
Secondary-progressive MS
(SPMS) follows an initial relapsing-remitting course. Over a period of time,
RRMS may transition to SPMS. This transition is marked by a progressive
worsening of symptoms with or without periodic relapses or remissions. In
patients with SPMS, disability tends to accumulate more steadily than in those
diagnosed with RRMS. This can lead to increased difficulties in performing
everyday tasks.
Primary-Progressive Multiple
Sclerosis (PPMS)
Nearly 10-15% of MS cases
are that of Primary-progressive MS (PPMS). It is characterized by a gradual
worsening of symptoms from the onset, without typical relapses or remissions.
Although disease progression in Individuals with PPMS is steady, there have
been cases where patients have experienced periods of stability. PPMS often has
a later onset in life, unlike RRMS and SPMS.
Progressive-Relapsing Multiple
Sclerosis (PRMS)
The rarest form of MS,
Progressive-relapsing MS (PRMS) affects only a small percentage of individuals
with MS. It is characterized by a steady worsening of symptoms from the onset,
accompanied by occasional relapses that may or may not lead to partial or
complete recovery. PRMS is typically marked by a progressive disease course
with relapses that tend to be superimposed. On the other hand, RRMS is
characterized by relapses followed by remission,.
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
The symptoms of MS vary widely among individuals and may change
over time. They can impact different parts of the body and may include a
combination of:
● Fatigue - It impacts daily activities and
quality of life.
● Optic neuritis - This is the inflammation
of the optic nerve, and can cause blurred or double vision, eye pain, and color
distortion.
● Paresthesia - This is essentially
tingling, numbness, or a sensation of pins and needles that typically occurs in
the face, arms, or legs.
● Muscle weakness - This is a classic
symptom of MS.
● Impaired coordination - Weakness in the limbs and muscles can lead to
difficulty with coordination. This may affect walking and other motor tasks.
● Muscle stiffness - Spasticity, or muscle
stiffness, can occur, making movement difficult.
● Incontinence - Another classic symptom of
MS, it is characterized by bladder and bowel control problems, causing urgency,
frequency, or incontinence.
● Impaired memory and concentration:
Individuals with MS can experience cognitive changes, including memory
problems, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings.
● Dysarthria and dysphagia - Weakness or
lack of coordination in the muscles used for speech may result in slurred or
difficult-to-understand speech, and swallowing difficulties.
● Worsening of symptoms: Exposure to
specific symptoms, such as hot weather or hot baths, can worsen MS symptoms.
This is a temporary phase.
● Depression and anxiety: The impact of the
disease on daily life has been associated with emotional changes, including
depression and anxiety.
Now let’s take a look at
the symptoms specific to each type of MS.
Symptoms of RRMS
These often fluctuate, with
periods of exacerbation followed by partial or complete recovery. Relapses
typically involve a wide range of symptoms, such as sensory disturbances,
visual changes, motor weakness, and cognitive challenges. During remission, the
individual may experience periods of stability with minimal symptoms.
Symptoms of SPMS
SPMS’ symptoms gradually
worsen over time. Progressive disability becomes more pronounced, affecting
coordination, mobility, and overall quality of life. Patients with SPMS may
experience occasional relapses, although these are less frequent than in RRMS.
Symptoms of PPMS
Common symptoms include
muscle stiffness, walking difficulties, weakness, and even sensory
disturbances. PPMS is characterized by a gradual progression of symptoms from
the onset.
Symptoms of PRMS
Individuals may experience
a wide range of symptoms, from motor and sensory disturbances, to fatigue and
cognitive challenges. In PRMS, the severity of disability escalates steadily
over time.
Stem Cell Therapy for Multiple
Sclerosis at Plexus
Stem cell therapy using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is an innovative approach to managing MS,
providing long-term relief, and even addressing its underlying causes. MSCs,
derived from various tissues such as bone marrow and adipose tissue, have shown
immunomodulatory properties, making them a potential therapeutic tool for
disorders like MS.
At Plexus, our customized regenerative
rehabilitation program for multiple sclerosis provides relief from symptoms, slows down
disease progression, and improves quality of life.
Below are the features of
MSCs that aid in managing MS:
● MSCs secrete anti-inflammatory molecules
that can potentially reduce inflammation in the affected tissues. This can help
mitigate the destructive impact of autoimmune responses.
● MSCs can modulate the immune system by
suppressing the activity of hyperactive immune cells and promoting regulatory
T-cell function. They have the ability to create a more balanced and controlled
immune response.
● MSCs can repair or regenerate damaged
tissues, and contribute to the repair of myelin and nerve fibers, potentially
slowing down (and even reverse in some cases) some of the neurological damage
associated with the disease.
Dr Na’eem Sadiq and his team of highly
skilled autoimmune experts will leave no stone unturned in providing you with
the very best of care. Choosing Plexus as your stem cell partner gives you the
following benefits too:
● Minimally-invasive non-surgical procedure
●
Faster
post-procedural recovery
●
Improved
everyday functionality
●
Less
reliance on medications
●
Improved
quality of life
●
Reduced
symptoms
● Reduced relapses
Understanding the
distinctions between the four types of MS is essential for accurate diagnosis,
timely and appropriate treatment, as well as optimal disease management. If you
wish to know more about our award-winning rehabilitation program for Multiple
Sclerosis, reach out to our team in Bangalore or Hyderabad today.
WhatsApp +91 89048 42087
Call +91 78159 64668 (Hyderabad) | +91 82299 99888 (Bangalore)
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