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Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease. In this progressive disorder, inflammation destroys the protective myelin nerve covering, leaving multiple areas of scar tissue (sclerosis). The symptoms and their severity vary widely and may progress into episodes of crisis alternating with episodes of remission.

Reviewed last on: 5/3/2009
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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