Natural history

The progression of multiple sclerosis may follow one of four clinical patterns:

• benign form:
  • characterised by abrupt onset, good remission and a long latent period before the next presentation
  • this intermittent pattern is seen in about 55% of cases of MS
    
    
• relapsing with accumulating disability:
  • is seen in about 25% of patients
    
    
• slowly progressive form with no relapse or remission:
  • is seen in about 5% of cases
  • is more common in older age groups
    
    
• acute or primary progressive form:
  • characterised by explosive onset, and possibly death within months
  • it is seen in about 15% of cases