What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective sheath (myelin) covering nerve fibers in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

Related Autoimmune & Demyelinating Conditions

• Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD): Inflammatory disease primarily targeting optic nerves and spinal cord (AQP4 antibody).
• MOG Antibody Disease (MOGAD): Inflammatory demyelination causing optic neuritis and myelitis.
• Autoimmune Encephalitis: Antibody-mediated brain inflammation.

Common Symptoms

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in one or more limbs
• Partial or complete vision loss (optic neuritis), eye pain
• Electric-shock sensations occurring with neck movement (Lhermitte sign)
• Tremor, lack of coordination, or unsteady gait
• Fatigue, dizziness, bladder/bowel dysfunction

Advanced Immunotherapy by Dr. Rajni Fulwariya

Management involves acute relapse treatment with high-dose steroids and plasma exchange, followed by long-term Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs) to prevent relapses and slow disability progression.