Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, the insulating layer around nerve fibers in the central nervous system. This damage, called demyelination, creates scar tissue (sclerosis) that disrupts nerve signals. The disease can follow several patterns: relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common form, with clearly defined attacks followed by partial or complete recovery. Some patients eventually transition to secondary progressive MS, with steadily worsening disability. Primary progressive MS involves gradual decline from the start without distinct relapses. The cause of MS is not fully understood but likely involves a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers such as vitamin D deficiency, Epstein-Barr virus infection, and smoking. Diagnosis typically involves MRI imaging showing characteristic brain and spinal cord lesions, along with neurological examination and sometimes lumbar puncture. Over the past two decades, treatment options have expanded dramatically with more than 20 FDA-approved disease-modifying therapies that can reduce relapse rates and slow disability progression.