Spectrum of Demyelinating Diseases in Pakistan: A multicenter cross-sectional study

Background and Objective:Demyelinating diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders of the central nervous system, including multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Data from South Asia remain scarce, despite potential regional variations in disease spectrum and outcomes. The objective of this study was to characterize the demographic, clinical, and disability profile of patients with demyelinating disorders across Pakistan. Methods:This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2017 and December 2019 across 39 neurology centers in Pakistan. Adult patients (≥18 years) diagnosed with demyelinating disorders using standardized criteria were included. Data on demographics, education, comorbidities, and disability (modified Rankin Scale) were collected. Statistical analyses were performed using t-tests and chi-square tests, with significance set at p