Types of MS

In relapsing remitting MS, people have distinct attacks of symptoms which then fade away either partially or completely.

Secondary progressive MS (SPMS) is a stage of MS which comes after relapsing remitting MS for many people. With this type of MS your disability gets steadily worse. Find out more about what changes might happen.

Primary progressive MS affects about 10-15% of people diagnosed with MS. It has this name because from the first (primary) symptoms it is progressive. Symptoms gradually get worse over time, rather than appearing as sudden attacks (relapses).

As well as the main types of multiple sclerosis (relapsing remitting, secondary progressive, and primary progressive), doctors and researchers might use other words to describe it. They may say that MS is one of the following: active, not active, with progression, without progression.

In the years before they’re diagnosed with MS, it’s possible that some people may get a diagnosis of one of two syndromes. These are clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS). Lots of people are diagnosed with these and never go on to get MS. But for some they’re an early sign that they’ll later develop MS.

Some people are told they have benign MS. A diagnosis of benign MS doesn't guarantee you'll be free of problems. You might still get things like fatigue or problems with your memory or thinking.

We're used to thinking of MS as an adult condition, but children and teenagers can also develop it. It's thought that around five to ten per cent of people with MS experienced their first symptoms before the age of 16.

MS can cause a wide range of symptoms and there's no exact list of early signs. A first symptom for one person may never be experienced by someone else.

If people know about your MS and how it affects you, they'll be in a better place to offer support if and when you need it.