Is Multiple Sclerosis Autoimmune or Neurological?

Wondering if multiple sclerosis is autoimmune or neurological? You’re not alone. 

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MS is a complex condition that affects every part of your body, so it can be a tough question to answer. The answer isn’t black and white, but understanding what’s going on in your body can make a big difference in how you manage symptoms.

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Short answer: MS is autoimmune (immune-mediated) AND neurological. Once you know how and why your immune system and nervous system are both involved, you’ll be better equipped to support your health from the inside out.

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By the way, have we met? I’m Dr. Gretchen Hawley, a physical therapist and MS-certified specialist. I’m also the founder of The MSing Link, an online program and book created to help people with MS improve their strength, mobility, and confidence through practical, research-based strategies.

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So… Is MS Autoimmune or Neurological?

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Here’s the easiest way to understand it: Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune/immune-mediated condition that causes damage to your nervous system—specifically your brain and spinal cord.

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In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, which is the protective coating that surrounds your nerves. When that myelin becomes damaged, the signals between your brain and body slow down or misfire, which leads to the symptoms you experience. 

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So yes, MS is autoimmune, because it starts with the immune system. But it’s also neurological, because it affects your nerves and how your body functions. I know it might sound confusing, but understanding this dual nature can be empowering. 

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It means you’re not imagining your symptoms, and there are real, evidence-backed ways to support both systems.

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How the Immune System Affects the Brain and Body in MS

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When your immune system is triggered, it sends inflammatory cells to attack what it sees as a threat. In multiple sclerosis, the “threat” is your own myelin. This inflammation can slow down nerve signals or stop them altogether, depending on how much damage occurs.

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This might show up as MS symptoms like:

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• Muscle weakness or heaviness
• Numbness or tingling
• Trouble with vision, balance, or walking
• Extreme fatigue that seems to come out of nowhere
• Difficulty thinking clearly or staying focused
• And many more

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You might feel a little different each day (for some, each hour), and that’s okay. MS doesn’t always follow the same pattern. But the more you understand why these symptoms happen, the more confident you’ll feel taking care of them.

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How Is MS Different from Other Autoimmune Conditions?

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You may have heard of other conditions that seem similar to MS, like NMOSD or MOGAD. These are also autoimmune diseases that affect the nervous system, but they behave differently and may require different treatment plans.

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The biggest difference? Other conditions may involve more frequent or severe relapses and often need early, aggressive medical treatment to protect the nervous system. MS, on the other hand, tends to respond well to a combination of medication and lifestyle-based strategies like nutrition, stress management, and movement.

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That’s why it’s important to work with an MS specialist who understands these differences and can help guide your care in the right direction.

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Can You Calm the Immune System in MS?

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While MS causes your immune system to become overactive and attack your own myelin, that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. There are simple, effective ways to calm inflammation and support your body from the inside out.

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One of the best ways to do that? Supporting your immune system through small, consistent changes to your daily routine.

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Regulating the immune response in MS might look like: 

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• Eating anti-inflammatory foods
• Moving your body in ways that feel good and doable
• Getting more restful sleep
• Managing stress in healthy, sustainable ways
• Creating space for rest and self-care without guilt

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That doesn’t mean you have to change your entire life overnight. Small, intentional habits can make a big difference over time. Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on giving your body a stronger environment to heal and thrive. 

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How to Reduce MS Symptoms Naturally

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If you're looking for ways to feel stronger, more energized, and more in control of your body, there are things you can do right now. These strategies won’t replace your MS medication, but they can work alongside it to help you feel your best.

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Here’s what I recommend to reduce MS symptoms naturally: 

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1. Eat More Anti-Inflammatory Foods

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Colorful fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, healthy fats, and omega-3s all help lower inflammation and give your body the nutrients it needs to function at its best.

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2. Move Your Body 

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Even just 10 minutes of intentional, MS-specific movement a day can help you build strength, improve balance, and reduce stiffness or spasticity. If you’re looking to walk better, feel stronger, or move through your daily routine with more ease, every minute you spend exercising gets you closer to your goal. These can also be seated exercises that you can do from your couch or bed. Any movement counts!

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3. Prioritize Quality Sleep 

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While we sleep, our body and brain do their most important healing. Creating a consistent bedtime routine, limiting screen time before bed, and maintaining a cool, calm sleep environment are all part of good sleep hygiene—and they make a big difference. If your quality of sleep is impacted by other symptoms, such as urinary frequency, then working with a urologist (or another specialist who can help with the specific symptom you’re experiencing) may be helpful.

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4. Manage Stress in Doable Ways

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Try deep breathing, stretching, journaling, or walking outdoors. You don’t have to remove all your stress—you just have to respond to it in ways that calm your nervous system. My current favorite method? Coloring in a coloring book!

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5. Give Yourself Permission to Rest Without Guilt

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Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a crucial part of managing MS. Your body does a lot behind the scenes and needs time to recover and reset. Taking a break doesn’t mean you’re lazy or unmotivated. It means you’re listening to your body, and that’s something to be proud of.

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Remember: real change takes time. Inflammation takes time to calm down, but consistency will take you further than intensity ever will.

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When is it Too Late to See Improvements in MS?

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It’s never too late. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with MS for years, you still have the power to influence your health. I’ve seen people in their 20s, 40s, and even 70s make positive changes that led to feeling stronger and healthier.

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You may not be able to reverse MS, but here’s what you CAN do: 

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• Slow down progression
• Prevent MS symptoms from worsening
• Rebuild strength and mobility
• Improve your balance and walking confidence
• Increase your energy and stamina
• Feel more in control of your body
• Celebrate progress, one small win at a time

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MS is Complex, But You Can Make Progress at Any Stage

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Next time someone asks you, “Is multiple sclerosis autoimmune or neurological?” You know that the answer is… both! Living with a condition that’s both can be overwhelming, but it also means you have many ways to support your body.

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You can care for your immune system, protect your nervous system, and make empowered choices that move you forward. Remember: you don’t have to do everything perfectly or all at once. You can simply take it one small step at a time.

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If you’re interested in support that meets you where you’re at, I’d love to invite you into The MSing Link—my online program built just for people with MS. Inside, you’ll get MS-specific workouts and strategies, weekly coaching and check-ins, and a supportive community of people who get it. 

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Have any questions? Feel free to DM me on Instagram @doctor.gretchen. I’m here to help you feel informed and empowered every step of the way! 

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