|
I've heard there are different types of Multiple Sclerosis
There are at least three recognised patterns of MS which have been described by doctors and, while it is probably more common to have one or the other, each may be experienced by a patient during the course of their life with the disease.
Relapsing / Remitting (RR)
The majority of people with MS have a disease pattern with relapses (attacks) and remissions (passive periods). In a relapse, the MS is active and nerves are being damaged - new symptoms may appear and existing ones worsen. A relapse may last only a few days, or continue for months. In remission the MS symptoms may still be present because of the damage that has already occurred to the nerves. But these symptoms can often lessen, level off or improve during remissions - which can last for months or years. MRI findings have demonstrated that remission is the normal event with this MS pattern.
Chronic Progressive (CP)
Estimates vary, but perhaps a quarter of people with MS over the age of 40 experience a gradual worsening of some or all symptoms over many years. In this progressive form, major relapses or remissions are not normally experienced, although symptoms may fluctuate from day to day (the 'good days' and the 'bad days') or sometimes over longer spells.
Chronic Stable
In this form, the existing symptoms do not go away or vary much and the disease produces no new symptoms even over a long period of time. Often this is described as the MS having 'burnt itself out'. The disease process may also be referred to as benign if symptoms do not generate any noticeable disability
|
