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Smoldering MS is an ongoing process that can occur during any phase of MS, even when you're feeling well and in remission. It's characterized by slowly expanding lesions in the brain that remain active and continue to grow over many years, causing gradual damage. These lesions have distinctive dark boundaries that can be Show Full Answer

Smoldering MS is an ongoing process that can occur during any phase of MS, even when you're feeling well and in remission. It's characterized by slowly expanding lesions in the brain that remain active and continue to grow over many years, causing gradual damage. These lesions have distinctive dark boundaries that can be seen on special MRI scans.

The key difference is that smoldering MS refers specifically to this type of ongoing inflammation and damage, while SPMS (Secondary Progressive MS) is a phase of the disease characterized by steady progression of disability with or without relapses. Smoldering MS can be harder to detect because it causes very subtle changes that may not be noticeable during regular doctor visits. It contributes to what doctors call "progression independent of relapse activity" - meaning you can get worse even when you're not having obvious relapses. Scientists are working on new ways to detect and measure these changes, including special imaging techniques and smart devices to track progression more closely.

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What Is Smoldering MS? Inflammation May Linger During Remission