If my multiple sclerosis is stable do I need a disease modifying therapy?

Here is My Question:
If your MS is described as inactive or stable does this mean no DMT medicine for you? Wouldn't these medicines prevent further symptoms? I know my neurologist cannot describe DMT's if he describes my MS as stable. What is your advice? I was diagnosed in 2012 in January and no relapses since, just mild symptoms flaring up.
Thank you in advance.
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Answer:
The terms "active or stable" are usually in reference to the prior year and have nothing to do with an individual’s eligibility for disease modifying therapy (DMT).  Active MS means the individual experienced either a relapse or new or enlarging MRI lesions in the prior year.  
The longer a person with relapsing remitting MS is stable (without relapses or MRI activity) off of a DMT, the less likely a DMT is that important to start. However, we are talking about intervals in excess of 3 years of stability not 1 or 2 years. It is also important to remember that people with progressive MS often get worse over time without experiencing relapses or MRI activity. These individuals tend not to respond well to DMTs if  several years go by with continued worsening despite an absence of “activity".
Hope this helps

Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD
​Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program
Professor of Clinical Neurosciences
University of California San Diego