What is Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS)?

Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common type of MS and is characterized by episodes of inflammation of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) caused by an abnormal immune system. The cause of the immune system abnormality and the trigger of an episode are very active areas of research but are currently unknown. The inflammation can cause a variety of symptoms depending on where in the brain or spinal cord the inflammation is focused. Symptoms of a relapse generally reach a peak of intensity within the first few days to a week and then slowly recover over a period of weeks to months, although sometimes recovery can be incomplete. In between these episodes or relapses, patients do not have progressive worsening of symptoms and some patient can go years between attacks. The MS community has made huge progress in the treatment of Relapsing Remitting MS in the last twenty years. There are currently fourteen FDA-approved treatments and many more in development.