What is the primary nature of Multiple Sclerosis as a disease?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is primarily classified as an autoimmune disorder. In this context, an autoimmune disorder arises when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own healthy tissues. In MS, the immune system targets myelin, the protective sheath that covers nerve fibers in the central nervous system (CNS). This results in inflammation and damage to both the myelin and the underlying nerve fibers, which disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

The autoimmune nature of MS is supported by various clinical observations, such as the presence of specific immune cells and antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid of individuals with the disease. Additionally, environmental and genetic factors contribute to its development, enhancing the understanding that MS arises from a disordered immune response rather than a primary dysfunction of vascular, metabolic, or genetic origins.

This classification as an autoimmune disorder is crucial as it informs treatment approaches, which often involve modulating the immune system to reduce inflammation and slow disease progression.