Types of MS

There are three main types of MS – RRMS, SPMS and PPMS.

Some forms of MS are rarer than others, and all three differ in the extent and severity of their symptoms – not everyone who receives an MS diagnosis faces disability.

The important thing to remember is that you can live well with MS through a range of treatments and lifestyle approaches. Let us support you by calling us on 1800 042 138.

Relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS)

RRMS is the most common type of multiple sclerosis. Approximately 85% of people with MSopens in new tab are initially diagnosed with RRMS.

A person with RRMS has periods where they experience clearly defined attacks or changes, followed by periods of complete or partial recovery.

During periods of remission, some symptoms may disappear, continue or become permanent. However, RRMS symptoms don’t build or strengthen after each attack.

Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS)

Over time, RRMS may get worse and transition to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS).

SPMS is characterised by times where it’s active (with relapses or changes to brain activity, or non-active (may slowly get worse over time or stay the same).

Most people with RRMS will eventually experience SPMS, there’s currently no clinical test to determine when. In the past, without treatment the transition from RRMS to SPMS took about 10 years, and 90% of people with RRMS developed SPMS within 20 to 25 years after diagnosis.

Thanks to disease-modifying therapies, these figures are getting better and it’s becoming less likely that RRMS will lead to SPMS. And if it does, the transition takes longer.

Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS)

PPMS is a type of MS that progressively worsens over time. People with PPMS may have brief periods where the disease is stable, with no relapses or changes in brain activity. At other times, symptoms may progress, with or without relapses or damage to the brain connections.

PPMS is less severe than RRMS and SPMS, as it involves less inflammation and fewer brain lesions. However, since there’s less visible damage to the brain in MRI scans, PPMS is more difficult to diagnose and treat than RRMS.

Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS)

Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) isn’t a type of MS, but is used to describe the first episode of a neurological symptom that lasts for at least 24 hours and has no other cause, such as a fever or infection.

CIS can be the first sign of MS, however further symptoms may never develop. If an MRI scan shows several areas of damage (lesions) to the brain or spinal cord that are similar to those seen in MS then the chances of having further episodes, and a diagnosis of MS, are higher.