Multiple sclerosis (MS) is also known as the disease of a thousand faces, as its symptoms can vary greatly from patient to patient. Predicting the course is therefore very difficult.
Nonetheless, the course of multiple sclerosis can be categorized into three forms. However, these forms of progression can change during the course of the disease.

This article describes what a relapse is and highlights the various forms of multiple sclerosis.

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What is a boost?

In multiple sclerosis, a relapse is the onset of new symptoms or the reactivation of already known symptoms that last at least 24 hours. There must be at least 30 days between two episodes. If the time interval is shorter, this is defined as a boost.

It can often happen that typical MS symptoms only last temporarily because the body temperature is elevated. However, if the symptoms subside as soon as you have cooled down, this may be the Uhthoff phenomenon and not a boost. This is why this information on how long symptoms must last is particularly important.

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The relapsing remitting MS (RRMS)

Relapsing remitting MS is the most common form with around 85% of those affected. RRMS occurs in irregular episodes, which are significantly different from each other in time. In this form of multiple sclerosis, the symptoms may disappear completely or partially. Remit symptoms.

Each relapse can cause symptoms that have already occurred during a previous relapse. However, new symptoms may also occur, and the severity of the symptoms may also vary. A relapse can last between days and weeks. The duration and frequency of how often a new relapse occurs differs from patient to patient.

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Secondary-progressive MS (SPMS)

If continuously increasing symptoms resolve relapses, this is referred to as a secondary-progressive, i.e. continuously increasing MS. Symptoms no longer occur in batches, but become a continuously increasing companion. It usually takes 10-20 years before the transition to an SPMS. In female patients, there may be overlaps with menopause during this period, which can lead to a misinterpretation of the symptoms that occur.

The course of multiple sclerosis is individual. In the context of the progression forms, there may therefore be a transition from an RRMS to an SPMS, but patients can also remain in a relapsing course. According to studies, after 10-15 years, 30-40% of patients will develop into secondary progressive MS.

The treatment of SPMS may differ from the treatment of RRMS. In addition to drugs that are also approved for relapses in order to prevent continued relapses, medications specifically intended for SPMS have been approved. If you notice any changes in symptoms, it is best to discuss them with your treatment provider.

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Primary progressive MS (PPMS)

If very severe symptoms occur very early in the disease that do not disappear, this is referred to as primarily progressive multiple sclerosis. Symptoms therefore worsen continuously (primarily) from the start. Individual episodes are usually indiscribable.

This form of multiple sclerosis is the rarest form of progression at around 10%. On average, those affected are between 35 and 39 years of age at the time of illness.

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synopsis

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Since it varies from patient to patient, it is also known as the disease of a thousand faces. Multiple sclerosis is divided into three types of progression.