Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. The body attacks its nerve cells' sheaths, called myelin, in both the brain and the spinal cord, and this can cause a variety of presentations in patients suffering from MS. This condition can affect the function of motor, sensory, emotional, cognitive, or visual areas, hence the different clinical presentations. The formation of MS can be influenced by environmental factors, genetic susceptibility, along with dysregulated immune response which leads to inflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration. Important tools to make an MS diagnosis are careful clinical evaluation, the use of neuroimaging tools such as MRI, and laboratory studies. The current treatment approaches for MS aim to prevent relapses, lessen symptoms, and slow down the disease progression with the use of disease modifying therapies (DMT) and symptomatic treatment approaches. More recent advancements such as biologic agents and small molecule inhibitors have been expanding the treatment options. Overall, comprehensive management of MS includes a multidisciplinary approach to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Ongoing researches continue to deepen our understanding of MS pathogenesis and new possible treatment options. © 2025 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.