You can schedule an appointment with our neurology team by calling 617-525-6550 or by submitting a request through our secure online form. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Experts recognize four types of multiple sclerosis based on how the disease develops and what course it takes. Some researchers also suggest using a staging system to clarify the complicated progression of the disease.
The four types of MS are:
They are distinguished by the frequency of symptoms and whether you experience progressive disability as part of your condition.
One way to think of clinically isolated syndrome is as a sort of "pre-MS." If you have a single neurological event that is consistent with symptoms of MS, it's considered clinically isolated until you have further episodes. If your CIS symptoms recur, it becomes a form of MS.
RRMS is the most common type of multiple sclerosis, making up about 85% of all MS diagnoses. In relapsing-remitting MS, you experience bouts of MS symptoms (relapses or MS flare-ups) that can last days or weeks. In between bouts of symptoms, you'll have periods with little to no symptom activity (remission) that usually last 12 to 18 months.
Most people with RRMS will develop secondary progressive MS (SPMS). As RRMS progresses, relapses become longer and more frequent, and remission periods shorter.
Eventually, symptoms are present all (or almost all) the time, and the patient's general condition gradually declines. This is secondary progressive MS.
The disease course for SPMS is complex. Patients may have active or non-active SPMS, depending on whether they're currently experiencing symptoms. They may also have progressive or non-progressive periods, based on whether their overall state of disability is worsening or remaining stable.
Primary progressive MS is similar to SPMS. Like SPMS, it is marked by ongoing symptoms and a gradual increase in disability. However, there are a few important differences:
The four types of MS are well-established, but it’s also valuable to classify the stages of MS. In this classification system, there are four stages of multiple sclerosis:
There are four main types of MS:
Because MS is a nervous system disease, a neurologist usually diagnoses it.
"Fulminate MS" is a term that describes a particularly aggressive form of RRMS that progresses much more rapidly than usual.
In terms of progressive MS, PPMS progresses faster than SPMS and leads to greater disability.
"Benign" or "inactive" MS describes RRMS that remains relatively unchanged for a long time. Diagnosis of benign MS is made after your condition remains stable for 15 years.
MS isn't regarded as a terminal illness.
Severe or advanced MS occurs when our symptoms are present most of the time and interfere with living your life. You may have difficulty walking or other severe symptoms that limit your independence.
The Multiple Sclerosis Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital is internationally recognized for providing the most advanced treatment options for people with MS. Its expert care is strengthened by a leading clinical research program at the forefront of discovery.
You can schedule an appointment with our neurology team by calling 617-525-6550 or by submitting a request through our secure online form.
What is multiple sclerosis (MS) and what are the symptoms of MS? Learn about testing and treatment options for MS, as well as the best ways to manage symptoms and future inflammatory relapses from Kristin M. Galetta, M.D., Neurologist, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Michael Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Neurologist, Massachusetts General Hospital.
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