Multiple sclerosis is classified according to frequency and severity of neurological symptoms, the ability of the CNS to recover, and the accumulation of damage.
Primary progressive MS causes steady progression of symptoms with few periods of remission.
Relapsing-Remitting MS causes worsening of symptoms (exacerbations) that occur with increasing frequency, along with periods of reduced symptoms (remission).
Secondary progressive MS is initially similar to relapsing-remitting MS but eventually follows a progressive course without remissions.
Relapsing-Progressive MS causes cumulative damage during exacerbations and remissions.
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 01 Jan 2000
Reviewed by: Jean-Raphael Schneider, M.D., Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 23 Apr 2008
Multiple Sclerosis, Types of MS reprinted with permission from neurologychannel.com
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