Quiz: Is My MS Progressing? | MyMSTeam

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Quiz: Is My MS Progressing?

Written by Kelly Crumrin
Updated on July 27, 2021

Since multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms can be so variable, even neurologists who specialize in MS can find it challenging to identify the transition to a progressive disease course. Although neurologists typically perform a neurological exam and assess disability to diagnose progressive MS, a detailed and accurate personal medical history is key to confirming progression.

This quiz is designed to help you assess changes in your symptoms and potential risk factors for MS progression. From there, you can determine if it’s time to have a conversation with your doctor about whether the course of your MS might be changing from relapsing-remitting MS to secondary progressive MS.

Quiz Scoring

0 to 2 points
You have a small number of factors that indicate a potential risk for MS progression. Your neurologist is the best person to help you track your symptoms as they change over time. Your medical history is the most important aspect for confirming secondary progressive MS, so be sure to communicate any and all changes.

3 to 5 points
You have multiple risk factors or changes in your symptoms that could indicate your MS is at a higher risk for progressing. Stay in communication with your neurologist to ensure your medical history is detailed and accurate. This can help your doctor correctly identify and diagnose the transition to a progressive course.

6 to 8 points
You have a combination of several factors associated with a higher risk for progression. You may want to begin a conversation with your neurologist about whether your disease course could be changing from relapsing-remitting MS to secondary progressive MS. Your doctor may perform a neurological exam, order an updated MRI, or perform a disability assessment to get a better sense of how your symptoms are affecting you and changing over time. If your doctor confirms that you are transitioning from a relapsing-remitting to a progressive course of MS, it could be time to discuss changing your treatment regimen.

Read more about how MS progression is assessed in EDSS: Tracking MS Progression.

Learn more about MS Flare-Ups and Managing Relapses.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyMSTeam, the social network for people with multiple sclerosis and their loved ones, more than 170,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with those who understand life with MS.

Did the quiz help you assess your risk for MS progression? Do you feel more prepared to talk to your doctor about progression? Share in the comments below, or start a conversation with others on MyMSTeam.

References
  1. Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS) — National Multiple Sclerosis Society
  2. Diagnosing SPMS — National Multiple Sclerosis Society
  3. Identification and Diagnosis of Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis During the Clinical Encounter: Results From a Physician Survey — Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
  4. How Can We Predict Whose MS Will Worsen? — American Academy of Neurology
  5. Self-reported Fatigue and Lower Limb Problems Predictive of Conversion to Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in an Aging Sample of Patients — Neurology
  6. Transition to Secondary Progression in Relapsing-Onset Multiple Sclerosis: Definitions and Risk Factors — Multiple Sclerosis Journal

BROWSE KEYWORDS

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Updated on July 27, 2021
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Kelly Crumrin is a senior editor at MyHealthTeam and leads the creation of content that educates and empowers people with chronic illnesses. Learn more about her here.
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