Verywell / Joyce Chan

Types of Multiple Sclerosis

There are three main types of MS. [3] They vary in their symptoms, disease course,
and how they are treated.

Relapsing-remitting MS: About 85 to 90 percent of people with MS are rst

diagnosed with this form. During relapses, you'll experience neurological
symptoms and functionality will decline. During remissions, symptoms may
disappear or just become milder. Remission may last weeks or months.
Secondary-progressive MS: Some people with relapsing-remitting MS eventually
develop secondary-progressive MS. It has a more progressive disease course in
which symptoms become chronic and irreversible.
Primary-progressive MS: Symptoms slowly, but steadily get worse over
time. Relapses don't occur, and the rate of worsening varies greatly. This is a less
common type, accounting for about ten percent of cases. It tends to a ect the
spinal cord more than the brain.

You may also hear about clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). [4] This is when a person
has experienced a single episode that looks like an MS relapse but doesn't meet the