Multiple Sclerosis

Basics

Description

  • Pathophysiology: Recurrent episodes of CNS demyelination leading to varied clinical presentations based on lesion locations
  • Patterns:
    • Relapsing-remitting MS: ≥2 episodes lasting ≥24 hr, separated by ≥1 mo
    • Primary progressive MS: Continuous progression over ≥6 mo
    • Secondary progressive MS: Initial relapses followed by continuous progression over ≥6 mo
    • Stable MS: No progression without treatment over ≥18 mo

Etiology

  • Nature: Chronic demyelinating CNS disease
  • Cause: Presumed T cell–mediated autoimmune disease with possible viral triggers
  • Epidemiology: Higher prevalence in individuals of northern European descent and increases with distance from the equator

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