Decoding Multiple Sclerosis: Insights into Subtypes, Mechanisms, and Advancing Treatments

Authors

  • Sanvi Gupta Primary author of paper, student at California high school
  • Shashwat Tripathi Northwestern University Mentor

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v14i1.9012

Keywords:

Multiple Sclerosis, Autoimmune Diseases, Neurological Disorder

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex and common neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system. The disorder is characterized by severe symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, cognitive impairments, and spasticity, which all significantly impact the quality of life for those with a diagnosis. A hallmark of multiple sclerosis is the autoimmune attack against myelin sheaths, resulting in demyelination. 

Unfortunately, there is no cure for MS. A need exists to understand more about MS due to its substantial and rising burden on patients, families, and health systems. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to mitigating irreversible damage and improving outcomes. This review highlights the pathophysiological mechanisms driving the disease and the current advancements in treatments such as insights into immune endophenotypes and novel biomarkers which may revolutionize MS care in the future. 

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Author Biographies

Sanvi Gupta, Primary author of paper, student at California high school

My name is Sanvi Gupta. I'm a junior at California High School. Over the past year, I have worked to develop a comprehensive overview of the disease Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I was driven to understand this disease because of my father. He was diagnosed with MS about 16 years ago and has endured the challenges that come along with it. In the future, I hope to major in neuroscience in order to research and improve therapeutics for MS. 

Shashwat Tripathi, Northwestern University Mentor

He is a current medical student in Northwestern's MSTP (M.D./Ph.D.) program. Prior to coming to Northwestern, he obtained degrees in Mathematics and Neuroscience from UT Austin. His prior research focuses on the development of novel intraoperative neuro-monitoring and mapping techniques including infrared thermal imaging (ITI), electrocorticography (ECoG), and MRI. His career goals include being a neurosurgeon-scientist who treats patients with epilepsy and brain tumors and to develop techniques to treat patients with functional deficits

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Published

02-28-2025

How to Cite

Gupta, S., & Tripathi, S. (2025). Decoding Multiple Sclerosis: Insights into Subtypes, Mechanisms, and Advancing Treatments. Journal of Student Research, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v14i1.9012

Issue

Section

HS Review Projects