Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) is a chronic condition that causes new and more severe symptoms to develop over time. It is manageable with effective treatment and support.

SPMS is a progressive form of multiple sclerosis (MS) that develops from relapsing-remitting MS. You can still have episodes and relapses with SPMS, but no longer experience periods of remission (where symptoms improve or disappear).

It’s important to get treatment from qualified healthcare professionals when living with SPMS. It may also help to connect with patient organizations, local support groups, and online communities for peer support.

Here are some of the resources that can help you cope with SPMS.

Living with a chronic condition can be stressful. At times, you might experience feelings of grief, anger, anxiety, or isolation.

To help you manage the emotional effects of SPMS, your primary care doctor or neurologist may refer you to a professional to get more support. But there are several different types of support you can seek:

  • Professional psychological support: This comes from a qualified professional therapist who listens and helps you understand and manage your feelings in an objective and unbiased way based on their training and experience.
  • Emotional support: This comes from a close friend or family member who doesn’t necessarily have MS, but is a trusted person you can rely on.
  • Social support: This comes from other people who also have SPMS. They can share their experiences and offer practical advice, accountability, and acknowledgment of what it’s like to live with the condition. To get social support and connect with others who live with SPMS:

You can also find people talking about their experiences with SPMS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms.

Learning more about SPMS may help you plan for your future with this condition.

Your healthcare team can help answer questions that you might have about SPMS, including your treatment options and long-term outlook.

Several organizations also offer online resources related to SPMS, including:

These sources of information and others may help you learn about your condition and strategies for managing it.

SPMS can cause diverse symptoms that require comprehensive care to manage.

Most people with SPMS attend regular checkups with a neurologist, who helps coordinate their care. Your neurologist may also refer you to other specialists.

For example, your treatment team might include:

  • a urologist, who can treat bladder problems that you might develop
  • rehabilitation specialists, such as a physiatrist, physical therapist, and occupational therapist
  • mental health specialists, such as a psychologist and a social worker
  • nurses with experience managing SPMS

These healthcare professionals can work together to address your changing health needs. Their recommended treatment may include medication, rehabilitative exercises, and other strategies to help slow the progression of the disease and manage its effects.

If you have questions or concerns about your condition or treatment plan, let your healthcare team know. They may adjust your treatment plan or refer you to other sources of support.

SPMS can be expensive to manage. You have several options if you’re finding it difficult to cover the costs of care:

  • Contact your health insurance provider to learn which doctors, services, and products your plan covers. There might be changes that you could make to your insurance or treatment plan to lower costs.
  • Meet with a financial counselor or social worker with experience helping people with MS. They may help you learn about insurance programs, medication assistance programs, or other financial support programs for which you might be eligible.
  • Let your doctor know that you’re concerned about the costs of treatment. They may refer you to financial support services or adjust your treatment plan.
  • Contact the manufacturers of any medications you take to check whether they offer discounts, subsidies, or rebates.

You can also find more tips for managing the costs of care from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

You don’t have to manage your disability on your own. If you meet the Americans with Disabilities Act definition, you can be eligible for work and life accommodations. This includes things like a disabled parking permit and financial support.

Many public and private organizations can support you as you manage SPMS:

  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Provides benefits to individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to a disability.
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Offers financial assistance to individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
  • Medicare and Medicaid. These programs can help cover medical expenses. Eligibility varies based on factors like income, age, and disability status.
  • Nonprofit organizations. Groups such as the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation offer grants and assistance for expenses like rent, utilities, and medical equipment.

If you’re finding it difficult to manage the challenges of SPMS, let your doctors know. They may recommend changes to your treatment plan or put you in touch with other sources of support.

Several organizations offer information and online support services for people with MS and SPMS. These resources may help you develop the knowledge, confidence, and sense of support that you need.