What does "stable" mean with multiple sclerosis?

Here is My Question:
I have been diagnosed as inactive MS although I have had it for 20 yrs the neurologist told me due to old lessions. With me it started with tension headaches plus migraines and I've always had health issues.When I asked my new neurologist is it still classed as inactive, he told me 'no not with all your symptoms but as stable.'  One year ago there was no activity on my MRI. I feel it's RRMS due to all my symptoms and having it for many years, although diagnosed in 2012. I am no expert but I am confused about 'stable'? Confused??

​Answer:
Dear Confused,

“Stable" means there is no evidence of relapses, disability progression or MRI activity (new or enlargingT2 lesions or enhancing lesions) over a certain interval, usually a year. Longer intervals of stability (5-10 years) are far more meaningful. Another term used to described this kind of stability is, “No evidence of disease activity.”

Even the most stable people with MS can experience persistent or intermittent symptoms related to their MS. These symptoms may include fatigue, burning or tingling sensations, and mental fogginess. It takes considerable skill and experience for a physician to correctly attribute these symptoms to MS or to another issue (e.g. medications, depression, sleep disorder etc). The correct attribution of your ongoing symptoms and problems is essential to the process of evaluation and management. 

You need to ask your physician:
1. "What is the cause of my top three symptoms that interfere with my life?”
2. “What can we do to better manage these symptoms?”

I underlined “we” since effective solutions often involve people with MS taking better control of certain aspects of their life. This may include a better diet, more regular exercise, sleeping better, managing stress better or working with a therapist to better adjust to the problems interfering with your life.

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