It can be hard to get your head around what MS is, what causes it and what form of MS you have. Three main types of multiple sclerosis have been identified.1 Although symptoms vary from person to person, there is no real difference in the types of symptoms that can occur for each MS form.
1. Relapsing-remitting MS
This is the most common form of MS. People with this form of MS experience flare-ups (also known as relapses or attacks) where the symptoms get worse, followed by periods where the symptoms improve or go away completely (known as remission).
2. Secondary progressive MS
This is the second phase of relapsing-remitting MS, and can occur years or even decades after the first relapse occurs. In this form of MS people notice a gradual worsening of their symptoms over time without any obvious signs of improvement or remission of the symptoms.
3. Primary progressive MS
This form of MS is less common and occurs in around 10-15% of people with MS. With this type of MS, the symptoms get worse over time without any periods of recovery or remission.
Watch this video from MS Australia that talks about some of the symptoms that MS causes
The information in this embedded video has been developed by the author(s) of the video. Novartis has not been involved in the creation of this content. The intent of providing this material is informational and not as advice. Any information provided by this source should be discussed with your healthcare professional and does not replace their advice.
References:
- MS Research Australia. What is multiple sclerosis (MS). https://msra.org.au/what-is-multiple-sclerosis-ms/ (date of last update 2023).