Which disorder is characterized by muscle weakness, paresthesia, and unsteady gait?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system, leading to a range of symptoms, including muscle weakness, paresthesia (abnormal sensations like tingling), and unsteady gait. In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath that insulates nerve fibers, disrupting communication between the brain and the body. This results in a variety of neurological symptoms based on which areas of the nervous system are affected.

Muscle weakness occurs as a consequence of impaired transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles. Paresthesia can arise from lesions on the nerves that may disrupt sensation. Unsteady gait is often due to both muscle weakness and coordination problems resulting from disrupted signals to the brain about body position and movement. These key symptoms collectively highlight the characteristic presentation of multiple sclerosis, making it the most fitting answer for this question.

The other disorders listed, while they may also involve some overlapping symptoms, tend to have distinctive features that differentiate them from MS. For example, Alzheimer's disease is primarily associated with cognitive decline rather than significant motor deficits. Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS), while it can cause weakness and gait issues, is usually characterized by more severe muscle atrophy and respiratory difficulties. Myasthenia gravis primarily