MS is a chronic auto-immune disease of the central nervous system characterized by the inflammation of the protective layer over the nerve cells known as the myelin sheath. The inflammation or degeneration of this protective layer over the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, results in poor conduction of electric impulses throughout the body, ultimately resulting in abnormal functioning of the body and a host of other impairing symptoms associated with MS.

Understanding the different types of Multiple Sclerosis and a right attitude towards life with MS go a long way in dealing with the disease and its symptoms in an efficient manner. By “a right attitude”, I mean, trying to get into the details about the disease, educating one-self and trying to understand what exactly is going on inside the body, at the early stages.

In this discussion let us understand the different types of Multiple Sclerosis, its whereabouts and prognosis relevant to its types. There are four different known types of Multiple Sclerosis. They are listed here in order of frequency of occurrence.

- Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS): This is the most common type of MS found in almost 80% of MS patients. It is characterized by occasional attacks (occurrence of symptoms) with total or partial recovery, followed by further timely relapses. Most of the cases diagnosed with MS are found to be of the Relapsing-Remitting type. There are a lot of treatment options available for this type, and many more are undergoing research. This, by far seems the most approachable of all the types of Multiple Sclerosis as far as the treatment and research is concerned, although the cure for MS is still not found. Having said that, Relapsing Remitting MS can prove to be the easiest to treat and handle.


- Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS): The RRMS discussed above, most often (not always) progresses into Secondary Progressive MS. The remissions and relapses gradually progress into a steady deterioration in symptoms with decreased relapses and partial or no recovery. This type of MS is quite difficult to handle and treat. Therefore, it should be taken into control right at it relapsing stage. Viewing RRMS (before SPMS) as an opportunity, more than a threat is wise thinking.


- Primary Progressive MS (PPMS): Exactly opposite to the Relapsing-Remitting type, the Primary Progressive MS is characterized by steady deterioration in the condition right from its onset, without any recovery or time gaps in between. This type of MS is found to be very rare, about 15% of diagnoses turn out to be PPMS.


- Progressive Relapsing MS (PRMS): As the name suggests, this type of MS is characterized by both Progression as well as relapses. As it is quite obvious, this seems to be the most unpredictable form, with occasional relapses and associated progression as well. This is also the least common type of MS found in just about 5% of MS patients.