Types of Multiple Sclerosis
The clinical course of Multiple Sclerosis can be classified into one of four types:
Relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis.This is characterized by attacks (relapses or exacerbations) followed by partial or complete recovery (remissions). This is the most common type of Multiple Sclerosis at the time of initial diagnosis (85%). (An attack is also called an exacerbation or a relapse and is the appearance of a new neurological symptom or the worsening of a previous symptom that occurs for more than 24 hours without a fever or acute illness. A remission is a period when the neurological symptoms temporarily diminish or disappear).
Primary progressive Multiple SclerosisThis is a rare form of Multiple Sclerosis (15%) with a slow and nearly continuous worsening from the onset. There are no distinct relapses or remissions.
Secondary-progressive Multiple Sclerosis Following an initial period of relapsing-remitting disease, the disease becomes progressive with increasing levels of disability in most patients. This occurs 5-25 years or more after the initial diagnosis.
Progressive-relapsing Multiple SclerosisThis rare form of Multiple Sclerosis is characterized by a steady worsening disease from the onset with clear acute relapses.
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