Dancing With MS

Types of MS

The course of MS is unpredictable. Some people are minimally affected by the disease while others have rapid progress to total disability, with most people fitting between these two extremes. Although every individual will experience a different combination of MS symptoms there are a number of distinct patterns relating to the course of the disease:

Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS)
In this form of MS there are unpredictable relapses (exacerbations, attacks) during which new symptoms appear or existing symptoms become more severe. This can last for varying periods (days or months) and there is partial or total remission (recovery). The disease may be inactive for months or years. RRMS is frequent in approx. 25% of MSers.

Benign MS
After one or two attacks with complete recovery, this form of MS does not worsen with time and there is no permanent disability. Benign MS can only be identified when there is minimal disability 10-15 years after onset and initially would have been categorised as relapsing-remitting MS. Benign MS tends to be associated with less severe symptoms at onset. Benign MS is frequent approx in 20% of MSers.

Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS)
For some individuals who initially have relapsing-remitting MS, there is the development of progressive disability later in the course of the disease often with superimposed relapses. This form of MS is frequent in approx. in 40% of MSers.

Primary Progressive MS (PPMS)
This form of MS is characterised by a lack of distinct attacks, but with slow onset and steadily worsening symptoms. There is an accumulation of deficits and disability which may level off at some point or continue over months and years. Approx. 15% of MSers are frequently have this form.