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Types of MS
You may be surprised to hear that people experience different types of MS. But MS is different for everyone.
Relapsing MS
Approximately 85% of people with MS are diagnosed with a type of MS called relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). In this type of MS, people have clearly defined periods when the disease gets worse. These periods are called relapses. Your healthcare provider may call them "attacks" or "exacerbations". A relapse is when old symptoms worsen or new ones appear. For a symptom to be called a relapse, it must last for more than 24 hours in the absence of fever and be in some way disabling. Relapses may occur at any time, usually without warning, and can be mild or severe. In RRMS, relapses are followed by a long or short period of time when symptoms completely or partially go away. This is called remission.
Secondary-progressive MS
Another type of MS is secondary-progressive MS (SPMS). In SPMS, symptoms and permanent disability get progressively worse. Distinct relapses are less common; and remission periods are minor.
Primary-progressive MS
A third type of MS is primary-progressive MS (PPMS). In PPMS, neurological function steadily worsens from the beginning of the disease, without relapses. The rate of progression can get faster or slower over time, but there is no remission of symptoms.