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Prognosis & Disease Course Predicting the course of MS is difficult because of the unpredictability of the illness. Because of this fact, MS varies greatly in each person. Physicians do have "guidelines" that they utilize to infer prognosis. Individuals who have few exacerbations early in the disease process with long intervals between exacerbations, complete recovery and exacerbations that are sensory in nature tend to do better. Individuals who early in the disease process have symptoms of tremor, incoordination and difficulty in walking or have frequent attacks with incomplete recoveries tend to have a more progressive course of MS. The following are the four courses of MS: Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS) is characterized by partial or total recovery after exacerbations. Secondary-Progressive MS (SPMS) is characterized when exacerbations occur and partial recoveries tend to occur. Many individuals who are diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting MS will develop Secondary Progressive MS. Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) is progressive from onset. Symptoms do not remit and while exacerbations are not normally acute disability becomes progressive. Progressive Relapsing MS (PRMS) is quite rare and is characterized by obvious acute attacks. An important point to remember concerning prognosis in MS is that on average, it's not as bad as most think. We notice people who are most disabled by MS, however, many people live normal, full lives with visible disability. MS Central Support � 2002-2004