SPPMS is an abbreviation for "Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis," a medical term used to describe a specific form of multiple sclerosis (MS). Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. SPPMS refers to the stage of MS when individuals experience a gradual worsening of symptoms and disability, following an initial phase known as relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS).
In SPPMS, the disease progression is characterized by steady deterioration of neurological functions, with fewer or no relapses or periods of remission. Symptoms may include muscle weakness, difficulty walking, balance problems, muscle stiffness, cognitive impairment, and fatigue, among others. These deteriorations occur due to the loss of myelin, a protective covering around nerve fibers, leading to scar tissue formation (sclerosis) in the affected areas.
Unlike RRMS, where individuals experience intermittent flare-ups and recoveries, SPPMS involves a more gradual and irreversible decline in function. Treatment options for SPPMS aim primarily at managing symptoms and reducing disability progression, as there is currently no known cure for MS. Medications like disease-modifying therapies, corticosteroids, and symptomatic treatments are often prescribed to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for those with SPPMS.
Overall, SPPMS is a specific progression pattern of multiple sclerosis characterized by a steady decline in neurological functions and less frequent relapses compared to the relapsing-remitting phase of the disease.
