Over 400,000 people in the United States suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS). 

 

MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It is a disabling disease that causes communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. 

 

What causes it?

Multiple sclerosis cause is still unknown. Experts are still baffled why MS develop in some people. However, they believe it’s a combination of genetic and environmental factors. 

 

The Risk Factors

While medical experts can’t still pinpoint the exact multiple sclerosis causes, they have identified certain factors that can increase one’s risk of having it. These include: 

 

  • Age 

MS usually affects people between the ages of 15 and 60. 

 

  • Family history 

There is a higher chance of developing MS if one has a family history of it. 

 

  • Gender 

MS is twice more common in women than in men. 

 

  • Viral infections 

There are certain viral infections that have been linked to MS. This includes mononucleosis, a condition caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.  

 

  • Existing autoimmune diseases 

People who have type 1 diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease is has a slightly higher risk of developing MS. 


When To Seek Help

MS can be a challenging condition to manage especially with its unknown cause. But seeking the help of a medical specialist when numbness, loss of vision, tingling sensation, slurred speech, and dizziness are felt can help in keeping it from progressing 

Image: Sodanie Chea via Flickr
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