MS Catagories

There has been a recent standardization of disease category terminology to describe the pattern and course of multiple sclerosis:

1. Relapsing-remitting (RR) MS: Clearly defined relapses with full recovery or with sequelae and residual deficit upon recovery; the periods between disease relapses are characterized by a lack of disease progression.
2. Secondary-progressive (SP) MS: Initial RR disease course followed by progression with or without occasional relapses, minor remissions, and plateaus.
3. Primary-progressive (PP) MS: Disease progression from onset with occasional plateaus and temporary minor improvements allowed.
4. Progressive-relapsing (PR) MS: Progressive disease from onset, with clear acute relapses, with or without full recovery; the periods between relapses are characterized by continuing progression.

There are also two severity outcomes described:

• Benign MS: Disease in which the patient remains fully functional in all neurologic systems 15 years after disease onset.
• Malignant MS: Disease with a rapid progressive course, leading to significant disability in multiple neurologic systems or death in a relatively short time after disease onset.