What is the most common course of multiple sclerosis?

• A. Progressive-Relapsing
• B. Primary Progressive
• C. Secondary Progressive
• D. Relapsing-Remitting

Answer: (D)

MS courses describe how relapses and disability progress over time. The most common pattern at onset is relapsing-remitting: patients experience distinct attacks with new or worsening neurologic symptoms that then partially or fully remit, leaving a period of stability between attacks. This relapsing-remitting phase is seen in the majority of people early in the disease. Over time, many people with relapsing-remitting MS eventually enter a secondary progressive phase, characterized by gradual deterioration with or without superimposed relapses. Primary progressive MS, which worsens steadily from the start without distinct relapses, is less common, and a rare form combines steady progression with superimposed relapses. So the most common course is relapsing-remitting MS.