What is the difference between primary progressive and relapsing remitting MS?
Both PPMS and RRMS are caused by inflammation and immune system attacks on myelin and nerve fibers. RRMS tends to have more inflammation than PPMS. Those with PPMS have more scars and plaques, or lesions, on their spinal cords, while those with RRMS have more lesions on the brain.
How is relapsing remitting MS diagnosed?
In most people with relapsing-remitting MS , the diagnosis is fairly straightforward and based on a pattern of symptoms consistent with the disease and confirmed by brain imaging scans, such as MRI. Diagnosing MS can be more difficult in people with unusual symptoms or progressive disease.
How bad is RRMS?
People with RRMS tend to develop more new brain lesions — also called plaques or scars — on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. People with primary progressive MS (PPMS) tend to have more spinal cord lesions.
Can MS stay in remission forever?
A remission can last for weeks, months, or, in some cases, years. But remission doesn’t mean you no longer have MS. MS medications can help reduce the chances of developing new symptoms, but you still have MS. Symptoms will likely return at some point.
What is the most aggressive form of MS?
“Fulminate MS” is a rapidly progressive disease course with severe relapses within five years after diagnosis; also known as “malignant MS” or “Marburg MS,” this form of very active MS may need to be treated more aggressively than other forms.
What does relapsing / remitting multiple sclerosis ( RRMS ) mean?
Relapsing/Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) is one of four internationally recognised forms of Multiple Sclerosis. RRMS is characterised by relapses(also known as exacerbations) during which time new symptoms can appear and old ones resurface or worsen. The relapses are followed by periods
How does relapsing remitting MS affect the CNS?
Relapsing-remitting MS is defined by inflammatory attacks on myelin (the layers of insulating membranes surrounding nerve fibers in the central nervous system (CNS)), as well as the nerve fibers themselves. During these inflammatory attacks, activated immune cells cause small, localized areas of damage which produce…
What’s the difference between RRMs and progressive MS?
While RRMS is defined by attacks or relapses of new MS symptoms, progressive forms of MS involve fewer attacks. People with RRMS tend to develop more new brain lesions — also called plaques or scars — on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. People with primary progressive MS (PPMS) tend to have more spinal cord lesions.
What are the signs and symptoms of RRMS?
The symptoms of RRMS vary widely. Frequent early symptoms include: No two patients have the same symptoms. Some people are sensitive to heat. Some people get a tingling feeling when they bend their neck forward (Lhermitte’s symptom). Some patients will have problems with weakness or unsteadiness of walking.