The exact cause of MS is unknown. However, physicians have discovered common
factors that place a person at risk for developing multiple sclerosis, or
another autoimmune disease. Those who develop the condition have a defect in
their chemistry which triggers the immune system to attack the body's healthy
tissues and organs. The immune system is designed to attack invaders such as
viruses and infections. Why the body chooses to attack the myelin remains a
mystery. Factors that contribute to developing multiple sclerosis include:
Genetics
Environmental factors
Gender
Viral illnesses
Family history of an
autoimmune disease
Genetic are a huge factor in determining whether a person will develop
multiple sclerosis. There are cases when several family members, typically
women, suffer from autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Our genes
serve as the body's blueprints. Multiple sclerosis is likely the result of a
defected gene that is inherited.
Who Gets Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis may affect anyone regardless of sex or race. However, the
majority of MS victims are women. The disease is non-curable, thus it is a
continual battle. In most cases, a diagnosis is made between the ages of 20 and
30. This autoimmune disease is common among those with a European ancestry.
Nonetheless, there are also a record number of African-Americans, Hispanics,
and Asian men and women who suffer from this condition. It is estimated that 2.5
million people are affected with multiple sclerosis. This number
includes 400,000 people living in the United
States.