SPMS
Medical abbreviation · Neurology
| Stands for | Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
SPMS stands for Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, a neurology abbreviation.
Phase of multiple sclerosis that follows an initial relapsing-remitting course, in which disability steadily worsens with or without occasional relapses. Historically, about half of untreated patients reached this stage within 10 to 20 years of diagnosis.
Example: Gradual worsening of gait over 2 years without relapses, EDSS 4.0 to 6.0: transition to SPMS.
Usage notes
The transition is recognized retrospectively, usually after months to years of steady decline. Siponimod (approved in 2019) was the first oral drug studied specifically in SPMS, though benefit is greatest when inflammatory activity remains. Effective modern treatment of relapsing disease appears to delay or reduce conversion to SPMS.
Related abbreviations
More neurology abbreviations
- RRMS – Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
- SAH – Subarachnoid hemorrhage
- SCI – Spinal cord injury
- SDH – Subdural hematoma
- SE – Status epilepticus
- SMA – Spinal muscular atrophy
- SRS – Stereotactic radiosurgery
- SSEP – Somatosensory evoked potentials
- SUDEP – Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy
- Sz – Seizure
- TBI – Traumatic brain injury
- TCD – Transcranial Doppler
See all 131 neurology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.