What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is classified as an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheaths that surround and protect nerve fibers in the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. This process leads to inflammation and damage, disrupting the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Over time, this can result in a range of neurological symptoms, including problems with vision, muscle control, balance, and sensation, reflecting the areas of the CNS that are affected.

The correct characterization of MS as an autoimmune disorder highlights the underlying mechanism responsible for the disease—where the immune system, usually tasked with defending the body from pathogens, becomes maladaptive and targets healthy tissue. This distinction is crucial for understanding not only the pathology of MS but also treatment approaches, which may involve immunotherapies aimed at modulating or suppressing the immune response.

The other options do not accurately capture the nature of MS. While genetic factors can play a role in susceptibility, multiple sclerosis is not primarily a genetic disorder affecting motor skills. It is not characterized by seizures, which are typically associated with epilepsy or other seizure disorders. Lastly, MS is not classified as a psychological disorder, although it can lead to cognitive challenges as a