Understanding Autoimmune Disorders

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the protective layer (myelin sheath) that surrounds nerve cells in the brain. Damage to this layer can interfere with the communication between the brain and other areas of the body, leading to a wide variety of symptoms, including numbness, weakness in the limbs, dizziness, tremors and fatigue. These symptoms can come and go in cycles and differ based on the severity of the condition. Women are twice as likely as men to develop MS, with the typical age of onset occurring between 20 and 40.