Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath — the protective covering of nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord — disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Symptoms vary widely and can include fatigue, vision problems, numbness, weakness, difficulty walking, and cognitive changes, with unpredictable relapses and progressive disability over time. Approximately one million people in the United States are currently living with MS, with more than 450 new cases diagnosed each week — a number that has quadrupled since 1994. MS is significantly more common in women, who represent 74% of all U.S. cases, and the average age of diagnosis in the U.S. is 36. Contrary to long-held assumptions, MS is not exclusive to White populations — prevalence is actually highest among Black women, and racial disparities in both incidence and disease severity are increasingly documented. The most common form, relapsing-remitting MS, affects approximately 85% of all people with the disease. While there is no cure, a growing arsenal of disease-modifying therapies can slow progression and reduce relapse frequency, significantly improving outcomes for many patients.
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