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Types of MS

MS is a complex and unpredictable condition that varies from person to person and does not follow a set pattern. Symptoms can come and go from day to day but there can also be relapses followed by periods of complete or partial remission. For other people, MS can be more progressive in nature.

MS is often divided into four different types:

Benign

Benign MS is associated with very occasional relapses, with good recovery in between and minimal symptoms over many years; therefore it can only be diagnosed retrospectively. Some neurologists estimate that more than 20% of people with MS have this benign form of the condition. The long-term prognosis for a person with benign MS is generally good, but there can be exceptions and some people do find their benign MS worsens in later life.

benign MS - occasional relapses with good recovery

Relapsing/remitting

Initially, about two thirds of people have relapsing/remitting MS. They experience relapses on average once or twice per year, with good or complete remission in between. However, there is a tendency for symptoms to worsen very gradually over time.

relapsing/remitting MS - relapses once or several times a year with good or complete remission. Tendencey for symptoms to worsen over time

A relapse is a significant worsening or a re-occurrence of a symptom, or a group of symptoms, lasting for more than 24 hours. Relapses are also referred to as exacerbations, episodes and attacks. Symptoms usually appear over a short period of time (hours or days), but can last for anywhere between a few days to many months. The severity of a relapse can also vary from mild to more severe.

A remission is a period of recovery, when symptoms become less severe or disappear altogether. Periods of remission can last any length of time, sometimes even for years.

Secondary progressive

People who start off with relapsing/remitting MS may go on to develop a progressive form of the condition; on average this occurs 15-20 years after diagnosis. The severity and frequency of the relapses decrease, but disability slowly increases.

secondary progressive MS - severity and frequency of relapses decreases, but disability slowly increases

Primary progressive

About 10% of people experience symptoms right from the start that become progressively worse over a period of years without remission.

symptoms become progressively worse over a period of years without remission

It is important to note that it is not usually possible to determine which type of MS you have when you are diagnosed – this will only become apparent over time. Also, the course of MS is very varied and unpredictable, which makes it impossible to say with any certainty how MS might develop.

Research has shown that some early symptoms, particularly those affecting sight and sensation, as well as long intervals between relapses, suggest a more positive long-term outlook or prognosis.

Remember that whatever type of MS you have, it is unlikely to shorten your lifespan.