All of the following are true about multiple sclerosis EXCEPT –
**Core Concept**
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by demyelination of the central nervous system (CNS), leading to a wide range of neurological symptoms. The exact pathophysiology involves a complex interplay between genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and immune system dysregulation.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the white matter of the CNS, primarily the brain and spinal cord. The immune system attacks the myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers, disrupting communication between neurons. This leads to a variety of symptoms, including vision problems, muscle weakness, coordination and balance issues, and cognitive difficulties. The disease is often divided into four types: relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive, primary progressive, and progressive-relapsing.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This statement is true about multiple sclerosis.
**Option B:** This statement is true about multiple sclerosis.
**Option C:** This statement is true about multiple sclerosis.
**Option D:** This statement is false about multiple sclerosis.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
One of the key distinctions between multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases is the presence of oligoclonal bands in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which are indicative of an ongoing immune response.
**Correct Answer: D.**