Multiple Sclerosis can take on one of the following four disease courses:
Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS)
Nearly 85% of people with multiple sclerosis are initially diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), the most common type of MS. Individuals with RRMS experience attacks of worsening neurologic function followed by periods of remission. During these remissions, people experience partial or complete recovery.
Primary-Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
With primary-progressive multiple sclerosis there are no distinct relapse or remission periods. Instead, people diagnosed with this disease course experience a slow, steady worsening of neurologic function at the onset of the disease. This disease course is less common and accounts for 10% of all multiple sclerosis disease courses.
Secondary-Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Secondary-Progressive MS develops after an initial diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Most people who have been diagnosed with RRMS will eventually develop this disease course. As a result, the disease will begin to progress steadily with or without relapses.
Progressive-Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
Progressive-Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis is a rare type of multiple sclerosis and occurs in roughly 5% of all diagnosed cases of MS. This type of MS is characterized by a steadily worsening of neurologic function initially with clear attacks of worsening disease throughout. Individuals with progressive-relapsing MS may or may not experience recovery after each relapse; however, the disease continues to get progressively worse without remissions.