Types of Multiple Sclerosis

Generally, multiple sclerosis (MS) follows one of four courses: Relapsing-remitting, where you have alternating periods of active disease when symptoms flare up and periods when symptoms fade. This cycle can occur for many years. The disease does not advance during the remissions. Secondary progressive, where you first…

Types of Multiple Sclerosis

Topic Overview

Generally, multiple sclerosis (MS) follows one of four courses:

  • Relapsing-remitting, where you have alternating periods of active disease when symptoms flare up and periods when symptoms fade. This cycle can occur for many years. The disease does not advance during the remissions.
  • Secondary progressive, where you first have a relapsing-remitting course and then symptoms become steadily progressive, with ongoing damage to the central nervous system. Symptoms usually get worse as the disease progresses.
  • Primary progressive is where the disease is progressive from the start, although damage to the central nervous system occurs at different rates in different people. This course of MS is not very common.
  • Progressive relapsing, which is a rare course of MS that causes steady damage when symptoms first appear and where the symptoms are progressive at first and are relapsing later.

Credits

Current as ofMarch 28, 2019

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine
Anne C. Poinier, MD – Internal Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD – Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine
Karin M. Lindholm, DO – Neurology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.