What type of disorder is multiple sclerosis classified as?

Multiple sclerosis is classified as a demyelinating disorder because it primarily involves the immune system mistakenly attacking the protective covering (myelin) of nerve fibers in the central nervous system. The damage to myelin disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms.

In demyelinating disorders like multiple sclerosis, the integrity of neuron function is compromised which is central to the disease process. This classification is important for understanding the underlying mechanisms of the condition and guiding treatment strategies, which often focus on modulating the immune response or protecting the myelin sheath.

Other classifications such as circulatory, genetic, or metabolic disorders do not accurately describe the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis. For instance, while genetics can play a role in the susceptibility to the disease, it is not itself classified as a genetic disorder. Similarly, metabolic and circulatory disorders involve different systems and mechanisms that do not pertain to the demyelination process inherent in multiple sclerosis.