Multiple Sclerosis: Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentation, and Disease Course Classification

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system characterized by demyelination, inflammation, and progressive neuronal loss, presenting with diverse neurological symptoms including vision problems, sensory changes, weakness, and cognitive decline. The disease exhibits distinct clinical courses—relapsing-remitting (70-80% of cases), primary progressive (15-20%), and secondary progressive forms—with symptom onset typically in young adulthood and variable progression timelines.