MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS | The types

MS affects some 912 people in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties, 18,000 in Ohio and 400,000 in the United States. There are four types, each of which can be mild, moderate or severe:

Relapsing-Remitting: Clearly defined attacks of worsening neurologic function. These attacks, which are called relapses, flare-ups or exacerbations, are followed by partial or complete recovery periods (remissions), during which no disease progression occurs. About 85 percent of people are initially diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS.

Primary-Progressive: Characterized by slowly worsening neurologic function from the beginning, with no distinct relapses or remissions. The rate of progression may vary over time, with occasional plateaus and temporary minor improvements. About 10 percent of people are diagnosed with primary-progressive MS.

Secondary-Progressive: After an initial period of relapsing-remitting MS, many people develop a secondary-progressive disease course in which the disease worsens more steadily, with or without occasional flare-ups, minor recoveries (remissions) or plateaus. Before the disease-modifying medications became available, about 50 percent of people with relapsing-remitting MS developed this form of the disease within 10 years. Long-term data are not available to determine if treatment significantly delays this transition.

Progressive-Relapsing: Relatively rare, affecting about 5 percent of people with MS. People experience steadily worsening disease from the beginning but with clear attacks of worsening neurologic function along the way. They may or may not experience some recovery following these relapses, but the disease continues to progress without remissions.

MS facts

Most people are diagnosed between ages 20 and 50, with more than twice as many women as men being diagnosed. It occurs more commonly among people with northern European ancestry. The incidence is much lower among people of African, Asian and Hispanic backgrounds. Symptoms vary from person to person, and from time to time in the same person. Some symptoms are abnormal fatigue, episodes of numbness and tingling, loss of balance and muscle coordination, slurred speech, tremors, stiffness and bladder problems.

MS is not contagious nor directly inherited. However, studies indicate that genetic factors may make certain individuals susceptible to the disease.

Most people with MS learn to cope with the disease and continue to lead satisfying, productive lives.

Source: National Multiple Sclerosis Society