What Is MS?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
9. Prognosis
Left untreated, it is estimated that more than 30% of MS patients will eventually develop significant physical disability within 20 to 25 years. There are several research trials where disease modifying agents have helped to decrease disease and disability progression but it is still unknown if these effects can be maintained over a longer period.
It has been observed that male patients who have primary progressive MS have the worst prognosis. This is due to the less favorable response to treatment with rapid progression to disability. Patients with MS only have a slightly shortened life expectancy with the survival rate being linked to disability. Death is generally due to complications such as renal or pulmonary causes.
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