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`Secondary progressive MS (SPMS) | National Multiple Sclerosis Society
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`Secondary progressive MS (SPMS)
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` In this article
`Overview
`Why are modifiers used to characterize SPMS?
`How does SPMS differ from the other disease courses?
`When does the transition occur?
`Research
`Overview
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`SPMS follows an initial relapsing-remitting course. Some people who are diagnosed with RRMS will
`eventually transition to a secondary progressive course in which there is a progressive worsening of
`neurologic function (accumulation of disability) over time. SPMS can be further characterized as
`either active (with relapses and/or evidence of new MRI activity during a specified period of time) or not
`active, as well as with progression (evidence of disability accrual over time, with or without relapses or
`new MRI activity) or without progression.
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`Secondary progressive MS (SPMS) | National Multiple Sclerosis Society
`9/20/22, 1:43 PM
`This graphic shows the kinds of disease activity that can occur in SPMS; however each person's
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`experience with SPMS will be unique. Following a period of relapsing-remitting disease, disability
`gradually increases over time, with or without evidence of disease activity (relapses or changes on MRI).
`In SPMS, occasional relapses may occur, as well as periods of stability.
`Why are modifiers used to characterize SPMS?
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`Disease activity and progression should be evaluated at least yearly by neurologic examination and
`MRI. Being able to characterize the course of your disease at different points in time helps you and your
`MS care provider discuss your treatment options and expected outcomes. For example:
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`If you have SPMS that is active, you and your MS care provider will want to talk about treatment with a disease-
`modifying therapy to reduce the risk of a relapse.
`If you have SPMS that is active and progressing despite the medication you are taking, the conversation with
`your MS care provider might be about the potential benefits and risks associated with switching to a more
`aggressive treatment strategy.
`If your SPMS is not active but there is evidence of progression and accumulation of disability, you and your MS
`care provider will want to focus on rehabilitation strategies to help improve your function and mobility, and
`promote safety and independence.
`If your SPMS is stable without activity or progression, the conversation with your MS care provider could focus
`on rehabilitation and other symptom management strategies to help you maintain function.
`How does SPMS differ from the other disease courses?
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`SPMS occurs in people who initially had a relapsing-remitting disease course. In other words, SPMS occurs as a
`second phase of the disease for many individuals.
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`In SPMS, people may or may not continue to experience relapses caused by inflammation; the disease gradually
`changes from the inflammatory process seen in RRMS to a more steadily progressive phase characterized by nerve
`damage or loss.
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`Read more about strategies to help you lead a full life with secondary progressive MS.
`When does the transition occur?
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`Prior to the availability of the approved disease-modifying therapies, studies indicated that 50 percent of
`those diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) would transition to secondary-progressive MS
`(SPMS) within 10 years, and 90 percent would transition within 25 years.
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`While MS experts agree that the medications have an impact on disease progression, it is too soon to
`tell the extent to which the disease-modifying treatments alter or delay the transition to SPMS.
`Research
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`The National MS Society is pursuing all promising research paths and collaborating worldwide to drive
`progress in research in progressive MS, for which few therapies exist. Learn more about progressive MS
`research.
`Diagnosing secondary progressive MS (SPMS)
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`9/20/22, 1:43 PM
`Learn More
`Treating secondary progressive MS (SPMS)
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`Secondary progressive MS (SPMS) | National Multiple Sclerosis Society
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`Learn More
`Frequently Asked Questions about SPMS
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