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Second Stage Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects every part of the body at various times and in unpredictable ways. Many MS sufferers face the fear of the unknown as well as the loss of bodily functions. For many people a diagnosis of second stage multiple sclerosis involves increased limitations and a significant lifestyle change, which can be emotionally as well as physically debilitating.

  1. Multiple Sclerosis

    • Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition of the central nervous system and is thought to be an autoimmune disease. In people with MS, the immune system attacks the body, targeting the myelin sheath, a fatty covering that surrounds the nerves. As the myelin sheath dissolves, lesions (scleroses) are formed. These create an interruption in the signals that the nerves send to the rest of the body, causing it to malfunction. This results in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, imbalance, blurred vision and cognitive difficulties. There are four recognized types of MS: recurring and remitting; secondary progressive; primary progressive; and progressive remitting. Of these, recurring-remitting is the mildest and most common type.

    Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

    • Many people who are diagnosed with recurring-remitting MS eventually begin to find that their symptoms are worsening. They are then diagnosed with second stage multiple sclerosis, which is called secondary progressive MS. Approximately 50% of all people diagnosed with recurring-remitting are ultimately diagnosed with secondary progressive.

    Differences

    • Unlike recurring-remitting MS, in secondary progressive MS the disease does not go into remission, although there may occasionally be periods of time when they are not quite as severe. More symptoms will begin to appear, along with a gradual (or sometimes rapid) worsening of symptoms that are already present. The symptoms become more debilitating as the disease takes its course.

    Treatments

    • At this stage, most patients are placed on disease-modifying drugs such as Rebif, Tysabri, Copaxone, and several others. In addition to these medications, drugs for specific symptoms may also be continued, increased or added as need arises.

    Impact of Secondary Progressive MS

    • For many people entering secondary progressive MS, there may be a heightened sense of frustration and/or depression as new symptoms appear and old ones worsen. They may need assistance from a cane or walker, or even in some extreme case, a wheelchair. Stairs may become difficult or even impossible, forcing decisions with living arrangements. People who have been independent their whole life can find themselves suddenly dependent on family members or friends for even the simplest tasks.

    Dealing with Changes

    • The good news is that the rate of progression of the disease is different for everyone, and there are many things that can be done to ensure a continuing good quality of life. Learning to do simple tasks in different ways, reorganizing the home to be more accommodating, and educating family, friends and work colleagues on the disease can all make the transition easier. In addition, many local chapters of the National MS Society have support groups that meet regularly. This can help the person with MS realize they are not alone in the struggle. Above all, anyone suffering from MS needs to practice self-care by recognizing their limitations but also embracing their abilities. A healthy lifestyle and positive attitude can make a huge difference.

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