Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath and nerve fibers in the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord, optic nerves), impairing nerve signal transmission. It affects the nervous system, causing symptoms such as numbness or weakness in limbs, vision loss (optic neuritis), tingling, electric-shock sensations, fatigue, dizziness, coordination problems, and bladder/bowel dysfunction. Genetic susceptibility (HLA-DRB1), low vitamin D, smoking, and prior Epstein-Barr virus infection are major risk factors; women are 2–3 times more affected. Prevalence: About 1 million people in the US (300 per 100,000); globally, over 2.8 million cases.