Understanding MS
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Primary Progressive MS(PPMS)
PPMS is a highly disabling form of the disease. Approximately 15% of people with MS are diagnosed with
PPMS.
Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)
RRMS is the most common form of the disease. Approximately 85% of people with MS are initially diagnosed with
RRMS.
Relapsing-remitting MS (
RRMS)
Primary Progressive MS(
PPMS)
Course of the disease
Primary Progressive MS(PPMS)
PPMS is a debilitating form of the disease marked by steadily worsening symptoms, typically without distinct relapses or periods of remission. However, some people with
PPMS do experience relapses.
PPMS tends to be more disabling than
RRMS. The accumulation of irreversible disability is twice as high in
PPMS than in
RRMS, which can mean people with
PPMS rely more on mobility aids or wheelchairs.
Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)
RRMS is characterised by episodes of new or worsening signs or symptoms (relapses) followed by periods of recovery (remission).The recovery between relapses may be complete or may leave lingering problems.
Relapsing-remitting MS (
RRMS)
Primary Progressive MS(
PPMS)
Symptoms
Primary Progressive MS(PPMS)
The most commons symptoms in
PPMS include progressive weakness, mobility issues and spasticity. These symptoms are not unique to
PPMS but tend to be more persistent and difficult to manage.People may also have more problems thinking and speaking compared to people with
RRMS.
Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)
The most common symptoms in
RRMS include episodic bouts of fatigue, numbness, vision problems, spasticity or stiffness, and bowel and bladder problems.
Relapsing-remitting MS (
RRMS)
Primary Progressive MS(
PPMS)
Age at diagnosis
Primary Progressive MS(PPMS)
PPMS is usually diagnosed 10 years later than
RRMS,5 after a steady decline in physical abilities can be identified and other diseases can be ruled out. This means diagnosis most often occurs in people in their 40s and 50s.
Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)
RRMS is usually diagnosed when people are in their 20s and 30s.
Relapsing-remitting MS (
RRMS)
Primary Progressive MS(
PPMS)
Ratio of men and women diagnosed
Primary Progressive MS(PPMS)
PPMS affects men and women equally
Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)
RRMS affects women two to three times more often than men.
Relapsing-remitting MS (
RRMS)
Primary Progressive MS(
PPMS)
Disease activity
Primary Progressive MS(PPMS)
People with
PPMS usually have a lower number of active lesions compared to people with
RRMS and more spinal cord lesions that may lead to walking problems.
Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)
People with
RRMS often have more active lesions than people with
PPMS.
Relapsing-remitting MS (
RRMS)
Primary Progressive MS(
PPMS)
Unmet clinical need
Primary Progressive MS(PPMS)
PPMS is a highly disabling disease, therefore treatment should be based on clinical need and initiated as early as possible.
Recent advances in the scientific understanding of MS have resulted in the development of new treatments that may slow disease progression in
PPMS. There are no approved disease-modifying treatments for people with
PPMS in many countries around the world, including Europe.
Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)
Despite available treatments, some people with
RRMS continue to experience disease activity and worsening disability.
Recent advances in the scientific understanding of MS have resulted in the development of treatments that may effectively slow disease progression in
RRMS.
Relapsing-remitting MS (
RRMS)
Primary Progressive MS(
PPMS)
