How to Pronounce Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Say it like this: SEK-on-dair-ee proh-GRES-iv MUL-tih-pul skleh-ROH-sis. The stress falls on the first syllable of each main word: SEK (in secondary), proh (in progressive), MUL (in multiple), and ROH (in sclerosis). If you say it slowly at first, you can build up to saying it smoothly.

In 'Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis,' the word 'secondary' means that this is a second phase or stage that comes after an earlier form of the disease. It's not the first type someone experiences—it's what may develop later. Think of 'secondary' as meaning 'comes next' or 'follows after.'

The word 'progressive' means something that keeps getting worse or moving forward over time. In this context, it describes a steady, continuous worsening rather than a pattern of sudden flare-ups followed by calm periods. It comes from the Latin word 'progressus,' which means 'to move forward.'

Break it into these syllables: Sec-on-dar-y Pro-gres-sive Mul-ti-ple Scle-ro-sis. That's 4 syllables + 3 syllables + 3 syllables + 3 syllables. Saying each syllable separately can help you learn the full pronunciation.

The short form is 'SPMS' (pronounced as separate letters: S-P-M-S). Medical professionals often use this abbreviation as a quick way to refer to Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in writing or conversation.

A common mistake is stressing the wrong syllable in 'progressive'—people sometimes say pruh-GRES-iv instead of the correct proh-GRES-iv. Another mistake is rushing through 'multiple' and saying it like 'mul-tul' instead of clearly pronouncing each syllable: MUL-tih-pul.

'Multiple' simply means 'many' or 'more than one.' In this medical term, it refers to the fact that this condition affects multiple areas of the nervous system. It comes from the Latin word 'multiplex.'

'Sclerosis' comes from the Greek word 'skleros,' which means 'hardening.' In this term, it describes the hardening and scarring that can happen in the nervous system. You'll see this root word in other medical terms too, like 'arteriosclerosis' (hardening of arteries).

You might hear it used like this: 'The doctor explained that his condition had progressed to Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.' Or: 'The patient was diagnosed with SPMS after several years with the relapsing-remitting form.' It's used as the name of a specific disease stage.