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Multiple sclerosis manifests itself through so-called flare-ups. For reasons unknown, the immune system receives false information and attacks the myelin, a protective sheath that covers your nerve fibers. The thicker the sheath, the better your nerves can send impulses and communicate. When the myelin is damaged, the nerves have a hard time sending impulses and this causes interference in the communication between the brain and the body. These injuries are called plaques and the symptoms can be anything from sensory disturbances, vision problems, cognitive problems, fatigue or disabilities of varying severity.
Types of MS
There are four types of MS.
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Relapsing-remitting: Characterized by flare-ups (so-called relapses), followed by recovery periods (remissions). Symptoms may disappear fully or partially during the recovery period. This is the most common type of MS.
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Secondary-progressive: For many, this is an eventual transition after being diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting MS. This type is characterized by your symptoms getting steadily worse and does not necessarily have remission periods.
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Primary-progressive: This type resembles the secondary-progressive MS, but does not have its roots in relapsing-remitting MS. From the onset, symptoms get steadily worse. There might be temporary, minor improvements; but there are no actual remissions.
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Progressive-relapsing: This least common type of MS is characterized by constant disease progression with occasional worsening. There is no remission period.
There is no way to determine how the course of the disease will progress and how it will affect you. You never know if or when you will have a relapse or if you will move into another type of MS. For many patients, this unpredictability is one of the hardest things to cope with.
Last updated: 1/8/20
