What are the different types of MS?
There are three main types of MS, each with its own characteristics. Regardless of the ‘type’, some people may be only mildly affected throughout their lives, while for others the effects may become quickly noticeable. Most people with MS experience something in between these extremes. It is not always clear what type of MS someone has, particularly when newly diagnosed and regardless of the type, health professionals will base symptom management on individual needs.
Remember that whatever name is given to your MS, how you best manage it will be a personal thing - any name for MS is only a guide to help you and your care team find the best treatment.
Relapsing Remitting MS
MS is nearly always described as a relapsing remitting condition – meaning that symptoms appear (a relapse), and then fade away, either partially or completely (remission).For most people with MS, this is the way their MS begins, except for the small group of people who have primary progressive MS (about 15 per cent of all people with MS).
'Benign' MS
If, after 10 to 20 years, your condition hasn’t worsened and you have very little or no disability, you might then be said to have ‘benign’ MS. It is difficult to give exact figures, but probably between 10 and 30 per cent of people with MS fit this broad description and have had many years without major disability. But using the word ‘benign’ can be misleading. ‘Benign’ MS doesn’t mean that someone’s condition has been completely problem-free; and a relapse can occur after many years of inactive MS. Unfortunately, it’s still difficult to predict future MS symptoms, even by looking at the symptoms someone has already had.
Secondary Progressive MS
Most people with relapsing remitting MS eventually develop ‘secondary progressive’ MS – around 65 per cent have developed it after 15 years.Secondary progressive MS, as the name suggests, sees a progressive increase in people’s symptoms, but this progression can be very slow. Changes might be so slight that they are hard to notice for a long time.
Remember that whatever name is given to your MS, how you best manage it will be a personal thing – any name for MS is only a guide to help you and your care team find the best treatments.
