What Causes Multiple Sclerosis?
Despite a great deal of research, we still do not know what triggers multiple sclerosis (MS). Most experts believe there is no single cause of multiple sclerosis, but it is likely the disease is caused by a combination of factors, including:
Heredity
We know multiple sclerosis is hereditary to a limited extent. Family members of someone with MS have a somewhat higher risk of developing the disease than someone who does not have a family member with multiple sclerosis. In addition, MS most commonly affects Caucasians.
The Immune System
The immune system is designed to protect us from outside enemies, such as viruses or bacteria that cause illness. But, sometimes, the immune system attacks healthy body parts or tissues. Diseases in which this process happens are called autoimmune diseases. In multiple sclerosis, it is believed that the immune system attacks the myelin in the brain and spinal cord.
Geography and Climate
Multiple sclerosis most commonly affects people in North America, Europe, and Australia. It strikes people more frequently in locations farther away from the equator. For example, in the U.S., the incidence of multiple sclerosis is much higher in northern states with temperate climates (seasonal changes) than in warmer southern states.
Viruses
A great deal of research has focused on the links between multiple sclerosis and viruses. As yet, there has been no reliable proof of any specific virus being responsible for MS. A likely possibility is that multiple sclerosis is the result of a response to several outside factors, such as viral infections, in a person who may be susceptible to multiple sclerosis due to heredity.
