Types of MS

Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS)

Defined by the patient having relapses or episodes of the disease. Slightly over 80% of those suffering from MS begin with this type. During a relapse, patients may experience symptoms not shown before, and may also see other symptoms experienced before either worsen, change or not be present. During the remission phase, the symptoms lessen, and the effects caused by symptoms such as disabling of the limbs may also lessen or may completely disappear. Periods of remission greatly vary. Some will experience only a few days of remission, while others may experience months or years of remission.

It occurs in about 10% of those with MS. The body becomes gradually disabled, but the person tends not to suffer from acute attacks. This type of multiple sclerosis may be more difficult to diagnose because there are no attacks to herald the disease. However, gradual impairment of movement and increased disability usually helps diagnose the disease within a few years of development

Is   usually a second stage of relapsing/remitting MS. About 90% of those with relapsing/remitting MS will progress to this type. Remissions are characterized by worsening of the disease, so that relapses become more severe. Generally, after a while there are very few relapses while the MS simply worsens until the central nervous system is completely impacted. This process, however, can take many years, and many with this form of multiple sclerosis can still live fairly normal and active lives because the progression is not sudden

Characterized by acute attacks, with little recovery during few relapses. Meanwhile, the relapses do not represent the recovery of the CNS, but simply a break prior to more significant attacks. Roughly 5% of those with MS have this type.