What Are the Different Types of MS?What Are the Different Types of MS?

There are a few types of MS. Knowing which type you have can help predict disease severity and how well treatment will work.

Relapsing-RemittingRelapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Most people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have a type called relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). It usually starts in your 20s or 30s.

Early Treatment for Relapsing-Remitting MS

One study shows that people who began treatment when their first symptoms started were 35% less likely to have a repeat attack.

Why You Should Track Your RRMS Symptoms

It's important to track your symptoms so you know when your MS progresses.

Preparing for a Life With RRMS

If you have RRMS, you'll have to prepare for the times your symptoms flare up and periods when they quiet down.

Changing Your Home for RRMS

There are a lot of changes you can make to your home that will make life with RRMS simpler and safer.

MS Remission: How to Get There

Between these flare-ups, you have phases of recovery, called remissions. They might last a few weeks, several months, or longer.

When RRMS Becomes SPMS

RRMS eventually will turn into secondary progressive MS (SPMS). In this stage, you have fewer breaks between flare-ups.

Secondary ProgressiveSecondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

If you've been diagnosed with SPMS you may have had relapsing-remitting MS for a decade or more.

FAQ About Secondary Progressive MS

Frequently asked questions about secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, answered.

Treatment for Secondary Progressive MS

Once you switch over from RRMS to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS), you may need to adjust your treatment plan.

The Emotional Impact of SPMS

Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) can have a big impact on your life, including on your emotions.

Other Types of Multiple SclerosisCIS and MS: What's the Difference?

Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is a condition with the same symptoms as multiple sclerosis (MS).

Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS)

Unlike some other types of MS, you won’t have relapses or remissions. Only 10% to 15% of people with MS have this form.

What You Need to Know About Benign MS

Neurologists consider MS benign if you’ve maintained most of your body’s ability to function after having MS for several years.

Late-Onset Multiple Sclerosis

Symptoms of late-onset multiple sclerosis are often mistaken for signs of normal aging.

Myelocortical Multiple Sclerosis

Myelocortical multiple sclerosis (MCMS) causes nerve cell loss without damaging the myelin in your cerebral white matter.

Tumefactive Multiple Sclerosis

Tumefactive MS is rare and causes a tumor-like growth in the brain. Symptoms are similar to what happens with brain tumors.