Prognosis
Although the course of MS in any individual cannot be predicted with any certainty, research has revealed some pointers towards the most likely outcomes.
Doctors generally agree that the onset of the progressive form, whether secondary or primary, heralds a poor prognosis in terms of disability. There is evidence that the disease becomes progressive more quickly in people who experience their first symptoms over the age of 40. People of any age whose first symptoms are sensory usually have a better prognosis than those whose first experience is of motor (movement-related) problems.
The level of disability reached five years after diagnosis provides a reasonable indication of the future disease course. In people with no disability after five years there is an increased chance that their MS will be of the benign form.