10 Key Questions About Multiple Sclerosis
SOURCE:
www.HealthTalk.com
4. How Did I Get MS?
Scientists don't know exactly what causes MS. However,
many now agree that MS may occur when the body's immune
system, which usually protects against disease, instead
attacks the myelin surrounding nerve fibers. Researchers
suspect these attacks may initially be triggered by
infection with a virus, perhaps picked up early in life.
Anyone can get MS, but many people with MS are most
likely to be:
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Between the ages of 20 and 40 when symptoms first appear.
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Caucasian; whites are twice as likely to develop MS as are other
races.
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Women; MS is two to three times more common in females than
males.
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Residents of temperate climates like those of the northern
United States, Canada and Europe; MS is much less common in tropical
climates
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Related closely to others with MS; there is no evidence,
however, that the disease is directly inherited.
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Published on October 26, 2007
HealthTalk Medical Reference
Last updated and reviewed by
Ed Zimney, M.D. on January 13, 2008.
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