Based
on the severity and the come and go pattern of the symptoms,
MS is grouped into four different categories.
They are:
1)
Benign (Least Severe):
This is the least severe type of MS. It includes a few,
mild early attacks and complete clearing of symptoms.
There is minimal or no disability to a person with Benign
MS.
2)
Relapsing/Remitting (Somewhat Severe):
This type of MS means a person experiences more frequent,
early attacks and less complete clearing, but shows long
periods of stability. Some degree of disability is usually
present. Approximately 80% of diagnosed cases fall into
this category.
3)
Secondary Chronic Progressive (Moderate
to Seriously Severe):
More attacks, more often and fewer and less complete
remissions after the attack.
The disease increases in effect and is greater than seen
in the previous forms. The MS may continue to worsen for
many years and then level off with moderate to severe
disability.
4)
Primary Progressive (Extremely Severe):
The
is the most severe form of multiple sclerosis. The onset
is quite severe and the course is slowly progressive without
any clearing of symptoms. This is also the least common
form of MS with only 15% of diagnosed cases.
