Primary progressive multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a type of multiple sclerosis where the symptoms progressively get worse and there are no periods of relapse according to the Cleveland Clinic. This disease tends to affect older adults; there are no FDA approved treatments for this condition. Approximately 20 percent of people with MS have primary progressive MS, as noted on the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America website. The outcome for primary progressive MS is often worse than other types of MS, according to the MS-Network website. The some of the early symptoms of primary progressive MS are similar to other types of MS, but other symptoms like leg weakness are more common in this form of MS.
Walking Problems
According to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, about 80 percent of patients with primary progressive MS develop issues with walking. The problems generally get worse over time from slight stumbles to weakness in the legs. This progresses over time to stiffness and weakness in both legs. Primary progressive MS tends to involve the spinal cord, which is thought to be the reason why the legs are so heavily involved.
Memory Issues
About 50 percent of patients with MS have memory and other cognitive difficulties, according to the National MS Society. Patients with primary progressive MS often have memory problems and cognitive difficulties, as noted by the Multiple Sclerosis Society. These symptoms are fairly mild for these patients.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common early symptom in all forms of MS, with about 80 percent of patients with MS suffering from this symptom, as noted on the National MS Society website. This condition can make it difficult for people to function at work and at home. Fatigue is often a symptom of primary progressive MS, according to the United Spinal Association.
Bowel and Bladder Problems
Patients with primary progressive MS often have urinary symptoms, as noted on the United Spinal Association website. These patients have problems holding urine for a long time and frequent urination. Patients with MS often have bowel difficulties with either diarrhea or constipation. These symptoms are typically associated with the leg problems; both are associated with the damage to the spinal cord that occurs in this disease, as noted by the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Visual Problems
Visual problems are common in patients with MS and may be the first symptom for a significant number of patients, according to the National MS Society. Examples of these vision problems include optic neuritis, double vision and uncontrolled eye movements. Patients with primary progressive MS often have similar vision problems, according to the United Spinal Association.
