Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. MS is an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue—in this case, the protective coating of nerves called the myelin sheath.

There are several types of MS, the most common being relapsing–remitting MS. While much remains to be understood about the cause of MS, “we have amazing therapies to manage the progression of the disease,” Lauren B. Krupp, MD, the Nancy Glickenhaus Pier Professor of Pediatric Neuropsychiatry in the Department of Neurology and director of the Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center, tells HealthCentral.

Watch Dr. Krupp answer questions about MS in these videos from HealthCentral.