WHAT CAUSES RMS TO CHANGE?
When something is different with your
relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS)
, it may not be easy to notice. Sometimes the changes are subtle, affecting not just your body, but your mind too. These subtle changes may mean that your RMS is progressing, and it’s important to get ahead of it. A doctor may consider an RMS medication to slow RMS progression. Let’s take a moment to understand the science behind why your RMS may be changing over time.
HOW RELAPSING MS PROGRESSION WORKS
In the brain and spinal cord, nerve impulses carry messages through your nerve cells. These nerve cells are covered in an insulating sheath called
. When you have RMS, immune cells called
lymphocytes
mistakenly attack your myelin and damage your nerve cells. This causes
inflammation
and can lead to
relapses
, which are flare-ups of disease symptoms.

WHAT IS RMS?
RMS is often described as having two distinct yet overlapping stages. In early stages of RMS, inflammation and relapses are more prominent. In later stages, there is less inflammation and fewer relapses, as nerve damage in the brain and spinal cord
(neurodegeneration)
increases. This shift is what causes
progression
, and can bring new or worsening symptoms that lead to disability. When RMS changes, you may feel different.

In the early stages of RMS, inflammation and relapses are more prominent.
Over time, inflammation and relapses lessen as nerve damage in the brain and spinal cord (neurodegeneration) worsens, which can lead to increased
.
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through the site.
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to view the glossary.
HOW IS DISABILITY PROGRESSION MEASURED?
The
Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)
is commonly used in clinical trials to measure the combined effects of physical and cognitive disability, as well as track progression over time.
Your EDSS score is determined by how you function in 8 key functional areas, and can range from 0 to 10. The higher your EDSS score, the greater your level of disability.
KEY AREAS OF FOCUS FOR DETERMINING DISABILITY

Assistance
required to walk

Weakness or
problems moving limbs (MS fatigue)

Problems with coordination

Bowel and
bladder issues

Trouble with
memory or
concentration (brain fog)

Vision problems

Difficulty with
speech or
swallowing

Numbness
or loss of
sensation
HOW CAN I TELL IF MY RELAPSING MS IS PROGRESSING?

You may have fewer relapses and may not be fully bouncing back or recovering in between them

The number of active lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may decrease, but your symptoms persist or are increasing

You may experience subtle changes in different areas of the EDSS
Everyone experiences RMS differently, and other symptoms may appear.
Pay attention and
talk to your doctor
about any changes you notice, no matter how small.
DISABILITY PROGRESSION OVER TIME

To measure the changes in disability during clinical trials, doctors commonly use
confirmed disability progression (CDP)
. Any change in disability that remains consistent over a certain period of time, such as 3 months, is considered CDP.*
*CDP is not the only measure for disease progression.

BOOK A VIRTUAL
VISIT HERE
If your RMS is starting to feel different, consider scheduling a virtual visit with a neurologist to help answer your immediate questions.

BOOK A VIRTUAL
VISIT HERE
If your RMS is starting to feel different, consider scheduling a virtual visit with a neurologist to help answer your immediate questions.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME?
Even a small increase in your disability can have an impact and interrupt the balance between your mind and body. Answer a few questions about your changing RMS and its daily impact to create your own personalized conversation guide, and see if your doctor thinks once-daily MAYZENT may be right for you.



“RMS disability progression is something that happens naturally and
is different
for everybody.
Understanding that and finding the best
treatment is the most
proactive path to take.”
MITCH W.,
MAYZENT Patient

Individual results may vary.
MS, multiple sclerosis.
PROVEN TO SLOW PROGRESSION
Learn how MAYZENT can help people with RMS delay disability progression.
STAY INFORMED, STAY AHEAD
Interested in starting MAYZENT? To help decide if it’s right for you, sign up to get information on RMS, tracking progression, MAYZENT effectiveness, and more.
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