Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition marked by the deterioration of myelin, the protective sheath around nerve fibers. Comprised of fats and proteins, myelin functions as an insulator, enabling smooth nerve signal transmission. In MS, this demyelination primarily occurs in the brain but can also extend into the gray matter. Damage to myelin disrupts nerve signal conduction, potentially leading to nerve cell death. This disruption results in symptoms ranging from numbness to paralysis and vision loss, as the affected nerve fibers fail to function properly. Individuals with MS experience episodes of these symptoms that can last from days to months or even longer. While the disease is often progressive, leading to increasing disability, some individuals may experience long-term or even permanent remission. The exact cause of MS remains unknown, though viral involvement is suspected. The disease is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, although it can occasionally occur in children and adolescents, known as pediatric MS. Traditionally, treatment has aimed at preventing symptom flare-ups using steroids, interferon, and medications to address specific issues like fatigue and depression, coupled with lifestyle adjustments to minimize stress and other triggers. Recently, new treatments have focused on immune modulation or support.
