Prognosis of Multiple Sclerosis

The prognosis of Multiple Sclerosis is difficult to predict. It largely depends on the disease subtype, the individual’s characteristics, such as age and gender, the initial symptoms and the degree of disability a person experiences as the condition advances. The factors associated with the mildest course of the disease are:

•Female sex

•Relapsing-remitting subtype

•Longer periods of remission between relapses

•First symptoms at a younger age

•Initial symptoms of decreased sensation or vision rather than weakness or lack of coordination

A benign course of the disease for the first five years usually indicates that the disease will not cause serious disability. Studies have shown that Multiple Sclerosis shortens the lives of affected women by about 6 years and of affected men by about 11 years. Some of the deaths are due to infections.