Types of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Dr. Teri Jaklin ND, IFMCP
- Apr 30
- 5 min read
Understanding the Types of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
When you’re first learning about multiple sclerosis (MS), one of the most common questions is:
“What type of MS do I have—and what does that mean for me?”
This is a very natural question.
And while the medical system uses different “types” of MS to describe how symptoms show up over time, it’s important to hold onto this perspective:
These categories describe patterns—not predictions.
They help guide treatment decisions, but they do not define your future or your potential for living well.
Why MS Is Divided Into Types
Multiple sclerosis doesn’t follow a single, predictable path.
Instead, it tends to move in patterns over time, which is why it’s grouped into different types. These patterns are based on:
How symptoms appear
Whether they come and go or steadily progress
How the body recovers between episodes
Understanding your type can be helpful—but it’s only one piece of a much bigger picture.
The Main Types of Multiple Sclerosis
1. Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS)
This is the most common type of MS.
What it looks like:
Clear episodes of new or worsening symptoms (called relapses)
Followed by periods of recovery (remission)
Symptoms may partially or completely improve between relapses
About 80–85% of people are initially diagnosed with RRMS.
A grounded perspective:
Many people feel encouraged during remission—and understandably concerned during relapses.
But over time, what matters most is not just the pattern…It’s how you support your body between those episodes. That’s where an integrative approach to living beyond MS can become incredibly important.
2. Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS)
SPMS can develop over time in some people who were initially diagnosed with RRMS.
What it looks like:
A gradual progression of symptoms
Fewer distinct relapses
Changes that build more steadily over time
This shift can feel unsettling—but it’s also where a deeper level of awareness and strategy becomes incredibly valuable.
A grounded perspective:
This phase often invites a shift from reacting to symptoms…to proactively supporting long-term function, resilience, and quality of life.
3. Primary Progressive MS (PPMS)
This type is less common but important to understand.
What it looks like:
Symptoms gradually worsen from the beginning
No clear relapses or remissions
Changes tend to be steady rather than fluctuating
PPMS can feel more challenging because it doesn’t offer the “breaks” that remission provides.
A grounded perspective:
Even within steady progression, there are always variables you can influence—especially when you focus on foundational health and nervous system support.
4. Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS)
This is often the earliest stage—or first sign—of MS.
What it looks like:
A single episode of neurological symptoms
Lasts at least 24 hours
May or may not go on to become MS
Not everyone with CIS will develop multiple sclerosis.
A grounded perspective:
This is a powerful window of awareness—an opportunity to begin supporting your health early, rather than waiting for more symptoms to appear.
Do MS Types Change Over Time?
Yes—they can.
For example:
Someone with RRMS may transition to SPMS over time
Symptoms may evolve, shift, or stabilize
But here’s where I encourage you to zoom out:
Your diagnosis may evolve—but so can your capacity to respond to it.
This is not a static process.
What Matters More Than “Type”
While understanding your MS type is helpful, it’s not the most important factor in how you experience your life with MS.
What consistently makes the biggest difference is:
How well your body is supported
How resilient your nervous system is
How you respond to stress and inflammation
The daily choices that shape your internal environment
As I often say:
It’s not just one thing—it’s everything you do.
Living Beyond the Diagnosis—No Matter the Type
It’s easy to get caught in the meaning of labels.
RRMS. SPMS. PPMS.
But those labels don’t capture:
Your mindset
Your support system
Your daily habits
Your ability to adapt, learn, and grow
After decades of living with MS—and working with thousands of individuals—I’ve seen this clearly:
People can live meaningful, engaged, and evolving lives with every type of MS.
Not perfectly.
Not predictably.
But powerfully.
What You Can Do Next
If you’ve recently learned your MS type, take a breath.
You don’t need to figure everything out today.
Start with:
Understanding your current pattern
Building strong foundations (sleep, nutrition, movement, stress resilience)
Staying connected—to support, to guidance, to community
Continuing to participate in your life, in ways that feel possible right now
Because participation itself is part of healing.
A Final Thought
Your MS type is a description—not a destiny.
It gives you information.
But it does not take away your agency.
You are still an active participant in your health.
You are still capable of change.
And you are still very much living your life—beyond the diagnosis.
I invite you to take the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you have symptoms of more than one type of MS at the same time?
Yes—MS doesn’t always fit neatly into categories. While types like Relapsing-Remitting MS or Primary Progressive MS describe general patterns, individuals can experience overlapping features. For example, someone with RRMS may notice gradual progression between relapses, which can feel similar to SPMS. This is why ongoing evaluation matters more than labels alone.
How do doctors actually determine which type of MS someone has?
Diagnosis isn’t based on a single test.
Neurologists look at:
The pattern of symptoms over time
MRI findings (lesions in the brain/spinal cord)
Presence or absence of relapses
Rate of progression
The distinction between Clinically Isolated Syndrome and confirmed MS, for example, often depends on whether additional episodes or new lesions appear over time.
Is it possible to stay in RRMS and never progress to SPMS?
Yes, it is possible. Not everyone with Secondary Progressive MS develops it. With earlier diagnosis, improved therapies, and better lifestyle support, many people remain in the RRMS phase long-term. Progression is influenced by multiple factors—not just time.
Does the type of MS determine how severe the disease will be?
Not necessarily. Someone with Primary Progressive MS may experience slow, manageable changes, while another person with RRMS may have more disruptive relapses.
Severity depends on:
Nervous system resilience
Inflammation levels
Overall health and lifestyle
Type gives a pattern—not a guaranteed outcome.
Can early action during CIS actually prevent MS?
In some cases, yes. People diagnosed with Clinically Isolated Syndrome don’t always go on to develop MS. Early intervention—both medical and lifestyle-based—can reduce the likelihood of progression or delay future episodes. It’s a critical window where awareness can make a meaningful difference.
Why do some people transition from RRMS to SPMS over time?
This shift is thought to happen when underlying nerve damage gradually outweighs the body’s ability to repair itself. In Relapsing-Remitting MS, inflammation drives relapses. Over time, if damage accumulates, it can lead to the more steady progression seen in SPMS. Supporting long-term nervous system health becomes especially important here.
Do MS types affect which treatments are available?
Yes. Certain treatments are more effective for relapsing forms like Relapsing-Remitting MS, while options for progressive types like Primary Progressive MS are more limited—but evolving. This is why accurate classification helps guide medical decisions, even though it doesn’t define the full picture of living with MS.
If MS types can change, how often should they be reassessed?
There’s no fixed timeline, but reassessment typically happens during:
Regular neurology follow-ups
Noticeable changes in symptoms
New MRI findings
MS is dynamic. Your classification may shift—but so can your strategy, support system, and outcomes over time.
What should I know first about MS?
If you're trying to understand multiple sclerosis from the ground up, these guides will walk you through the most important questions:
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