Types of MS
Although there are basic similarities in people with MS, there are some general differences that separate individuals into different groups.
Benign
Often seen as a subset of RRMS
characterised by one or a few mild attacks
usually followed by complete recovery and often long periods of remission
Relapsing remitting (RRMS)
Acute disease attacks: stable between attacks
85% of all MS at onset
Overall accounts for 55% of MS
Includes benign (10-20%) subgroup
Secondary progressive (SPMS)
Some people with RRMS later develop slow worsening (90% by 25 years from diagnosis in untreated pwms)
Overall accounts for 30% of MS
Individuals may continue to have less frequent acute attacks or may stop having attacks altogether
Primary progressive
Slow worsening from onset; never experience acute attacks
Accounts for 10% of MS
Affects men as often as women
Progressive relapsing
Slow worsening from onset; later experiences acute attacks in addition to slow worsening
Accounts for 5% of MS
Very similar to primary progressive subtype