Fact 10: Multiple Sclerosis has Different Types
Multiple sclerosis doesn’t follow the same path in all affected individuals. Four primary types of MS have been identified, each characterized by a different pattern of symptom onset and progression: relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), primary-progressive MS (PPMS), secondary-progressive MS (SPMS), and progressive-relapsing MS (PRMS).
RRMS is the most common form, affecting about 85% of people with MS at diagnosis. It’s characterized by periods of new or worsening symptoms, known as relapses, followed by periods of recovery or remission.
PPMS is marked by a steady progression of symptoms from the onset, without relapses or remissions. About 10-15% of people with MS have this type. In SPMS, symptoms steadily worsen over time after an initial period of RRMS. Some people may continue to experience relapses, while others won’t.
PRMS, the rarest type, combines steadily progressing symptoms with acute relapses, even during periods of progression.
Identifying the type of MS a person has is vital for determining the best course of treatment. While some treatments can reduce the frequency and severity of relapses in RRMS, others aim to slow the progression of symptoms in progressive forms of MS. (10)
