Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology of the Central Nervous System

Autoimmune disorders of the central nervous system are common and often affect people in the most productive years of their lives. Among primary autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system, multiple sclerosis is most prevalent in the United States. Many other autoantibody-mediated neurologic syndromes have been identified within the past 2 to 3 decades, including neuromyelitis optica and anti-N-methyl-D aspartate receptor encephalitis. Finally, the central nervous system can also be affected by systemic autoimmune diseases such as sarcoidosis. Many of these diseases are treatable when detected early.