Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is characterized as what type of disease?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is primarily classified as a demyelinating disease, which is characterized by the immune system attacking the protective myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers in the central nervous system. This damage disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms.

The demyelination process in MS can lead to a range of motor, sensory, and cognitive disabilities, as the nerves become increasingly affected by the deterioration of myelin. The hallmark of MS is the formation of plaques or lesions in the white matter of the brain and spinal cord, which directly impacts the conduction of nerve impulses.

While MS has autoimmune characteristics—where the immune system mistakenly targets the body's own tissues—its primary defining feature is the demyelination of nerves. Understanding MS as a demyelinating disease is crucial for comprehending its pathophysiology and the nature of the symptoms experienced by individuals diagnosed with the condition.