4. Types of Multiple Sclerosis
• Relapsing-Remitting MS
• Primary-Progressive MS
• Secondary-Progressive MS
• Progressive-Relapsing MS
5. Relapsing-Remitting MS
• This type of MS causes individuals to experience
clearly defined attacks of worsening neurologic
function. These attacks, called relapses, flare-ups,
or exacerbations, are followed by partial or
complete recovery periods, called remissions,
during which no disease progression occurs.
Approximately 85% of people are initially
diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS.
6. Primary-Progressive MS
• This disease course is characterized by slowly
worsening neurologic function from the
beginning. There is no distinct relapses or
remissions in this type. The rate of progression
may vary over time, with occasional plateaus and
temporary minor improvements. Approximately
10% of people are diagnosed with primary-
progressive MS.
7. Secondary-Progressive MS
• Following an initial period of relapsing-remitting
MS, many people develop a secondary-
progressive disease course in which the disease
worsens more steadily, with or without
occasional flare-ups, minor recoveries, called
remissions, or plateaus. Before medications
became available, approximately 50% of people
with relapsing-remitting MS developed this form
of the disease within 10 years.
8. Progressive-Relapsing MS
• In this type, people experience steadily
worsening disease from the beginning, but with
clear attacks of worsening neurologic function
along the way. They may or may not experience
some recovery following these relapses, but the
disease continues to progress without
remissions. This is rare and approximately only
5% of people with MS have this type.
9. Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis
• There is no simple test that leads to the diagnosis of MS.
• An accurate diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis is based on a person’s
neurological medical history and a complete neurological exam.
• Approximately 10% of people that are diagnosed with MS do not
have MS, but instead, just have reoccurring symptoms that may
mimic the symptoms of MS.
• Lab samples are taken of the patients blood, MRIs of the brain
are given, Spinal Taps are conducted, and Evoked potentials
[electrical lab testing that examines if a person’s nerve pathways
have been destroyed by MS] are performed.
• If any of these tests are completely normal, it still does not rule
out that the person has MS
13. Men v. Women and Multiple Sclerosis
• Women are more likely to develop MS than men.
• At least 3 women suffer from MS for every 2 men affected by it.
In some regions the difference is 2:1.
• Men develop the symptoms of MS typically at a later age in life
than women do.
• The average age for women to have the MS symptoms begin is 25
whereas men tend to develop symptoms at an average age of 28.
• Women are likely to develop symptoms at the age of sexual
hormone activity essential for fertility.
16. What’s linked to Multiple Sclerosis?
• MS is said to have been linked to Lupus. Lupus and MS are both
autoimmune diseases. They both :
• Have an onset in early adulthood.
• Affect women more often than men, The ratio is much greater in
Lupus than it is in MS, though.
• Genetic vulnerability is paired with environmental trauma to
bring about the condition.
• Are chronic conditions, requiring life-long treatment.
• Are characterized by a pattern of sickness interspersed with
remission.
• Lupus and MS have many symptoms in common. Both are
characterized by extreme fatigue, inflammation, headaches, and
muscle stiffness. Both can result in changes in thinking and
feeling such as disordered thinking, poor memory, and
depression.
17. National MS Society
“The National MS Society is a collective of passionate individuals who want
to do something about MS now—to move together toward a world free of
multiple sclerosis. MS stops people from moving. We exist to make sure it
doesn't. We help each person address the challenges of living with MS
through our 50-state network of chapters. The Society helps people
affected by MS by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through
advocacy, facilitating professional education, and providing programs and
services that help people with MS and their families move their lives
forward.
• We are moving research forward by relentlessly pursuing prevention,
treatment and cure.
• We are moving to reach out and respond to individuals, families and
communities living with multiple sclerosis.
• We are moving politicians and legislation to champion the needs of people
with MS through activism, advocacy and influence.
• We are moving to mobilize the millions of people who want to do something
about MS now. Join the Movement!”
• [ http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-the-society/index.aspx ]
18. Sources
• Multiple Sclerosis Fact Book, Second Edition, Lechtenberg, M.D.,
Philadelphia, 1995.
• MS and Your Feelings, Shadday LCSW, Alameda, 2007.
• Managing the Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, Schapiro, M.D.,
New York, 2003.
• Multiple Sclerosis Q&A, Hill, New York, 2003.
• Living With Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, Coyle, New York,
2003.
• Cynthia Manteck [My Mom…She’s had MS for 20 years and is an
incredibly positive woman]
• Pictures – Kelly Manteck Photography
