Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks itself, specifically the myelin, which is a layer of substance that protects the nerve fibers in our central nervous system. Lesions or scars will appear in different areas of the brain when the myelin is damaged. The name “multiple sclerosis” is derived from this meaning. Sclerosis means “scars,” and multiple is defined as “more than one,” so “multiple sclerosis” is the occurrence of several scars on the brain. These scars are usually detected with an MRI.
There are four basic stages of multiple sclerosis, and the patient can be diagnosed during any stage. Multiple sclerosis treatment differs depending on what stage the disease is in for the patient. MS is a progressive sickness with the following four stages: Relapsing remitting MS, Primary-progressive MS, Secondary-progressive MS, and Progressive-relapsing MS. There are also two “sub-stages” within the four stages called the Benign MS and the very rare stage called Malignant MS.
To further understand how MS affects those diagnosed, it’s important to recognize each of the four courses of multiple sclerosis. Keep in mind that although there are different stages, the symptoms can vary and can overlap from stage to stage.
First Stage
Relapsing remitting MS is the most common stage that is diagnosed. It is the first stage of MS and roughly 85 percent of cases will be in this stage during the diagnosis.
Some common multiple sclerosis symptoms are bladder problems, fatigue, muscle stiffness, and blurred vision.
During this stage, patient tends to suffer from flare ups that are followed by periods of remission. These flare ups may show up for one to three months before ceasing. It’s also common that during the relapsing-remitting MS stage, an individual may not have another flare up for a year or more.
A person may be completely symptom-free or may have very mild symptoms during the remission period. However, even if the patient feels no symptoms, the central nervous system will still have continuing damage done to it.
One type of MS that is related to RRMS of which could be considered a “sub-stage” is the benign multiple sclerosis. This stage signals that there may be a type of flare up that happens a few times and will either return after several years or not return. Those with the benign type of MS often live the rest of their lives never experiencing another neurological event. Doctors have no clue to why some patients do not have the symptoms again and why others have the symptoms for the rest of their lives.
Stage Two
The second stage of multiple sclerosis is called primary-progressive MS. During PPMS, patients normally have a progressing re-occurrence of neurological problems. The common symptom during this stage is the patient begins to have problems walking and balancing himself or herself. They possibly may have more relapses.
Third Stage
The third stage is known as the secondary-progressive MS. The symptoms gradually progress over time. However, the symptoms in this stage are more crippling with fewer recoveries. Basically, the attacks happens more frequently and fewer recoveries or remission periods between attacks. What also happens in this stage is that the ability to function becomes very challenging. Furthermore, a person will have less attacks or will have none at all, but the disability continues.
Fourth Stage
The last stage is called the progressive-relapsing MS, which is a uncommon case. The attacks or flare ups are usually very acute. A sub-stage of PRMS is the Malignant Multiple Sclerosis, which is also known as Marburg’s variant. It is very, very rare. However, the patients diagnosed at this stage will experience the worst of MS, where the patient will be gravely disabled for as long as he or she lives.
There are several symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis. However, each person varies on their symptoms while others may have several symptoms, if not, all of them.
The most common are:
- fatigue blurred
- vision muscle
- spasms tremors
- bladder problems
- dizziness
- slurred speech
- sexual dysfunction
- pain depression
- inability to focus
- memory problems
A cure for multiple sclerosis does not currently exist. Unluckily, the diagnosis is as difficult as finding a cure because the MS symptoms are similar to many other types of neurological disorders. As of now, there is no “multiple sclerosis test” available to specifically diagnose MS. Many patients will wait months before receiving a diagnosis. Until the medical community can accurately diagnose MS, they will have to rely upon the stages of multiple sclerosis to treat patients accordingly.