Types of MS
People with MS often have distinct attacks (also called relapses, episodes, exacerbations or flares). During attacks symptoms worsen and may be at their worst for several days or longer and then gradually improve. It can be existing symptoms that worsen or new symptoms that appear during an attack. Attacks are considered separate if they occur more than one month apart.
MS can be classified into four types, each following a different general course. However, it does not become obvious which form a person has until they have lived with the disease for some months or years. The type of MS gives a general indication of the course the disease is likely to take, but does not predict the types of symptoms that will occur.