Types of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Table of Contents Causes of MS Symptoms Types Treatments

There are several different forms of Multiple Sclerosis.The most common type is the relapsing remitting type in which there is a sudden loss of function and after days to weeks the function is regained. For example the patient might have sudden weakness of the legs, and then they recover function over days to weeks. About 85% of the patient have this type at the onset. The second form is secondary progressive. In this form the patient starts with the relapsing remitting form, but after awhile they start to have progressive worsening without significant recovery. There could still be relapses but there is minimal recovery.

About 50% of the patients with relapsing remitting type will get the secondary progressive form, however this data is prior to use of medication that are disease modifying. The third type is called primary progressive . In this syndrome patients progressively get worse without distinct attacks. This is a relatively rare syndrome. About 10% of patients have this kind.