What condition describes progressive demyelination of nerve fibers?

The condition that describes progressive demyelination of nerve fibers is Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In Multiple Sclerosis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers in the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. This demyelination leads to disruptions in communication between the brain and the rest of the body, resulting in a variety of neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, coordination difficulties, and visual disturbances.

The progressive nature of MS means that over time, as more myelin is damaged, the symptoms can worsen and result in increasing disability. Understanding that MS specifically involves the demyelination process is crucial for recognizing its unique pathophysiology compared to other neurological conditions.