While no one cause has been identified when it comes to the development of multiple sclerosis or MS there are many possible causes that could result in the onset of this autoimmune disease.
Medical professionals such as neurologists, general doctors, and even medical researchers have studied this condition at depth for several years. In the course of these studies, they have established that there are many possible causes associated with multiple sclerosis.
While there are four individual theories behind the cause of this condition, there are many doctors that strongly believe that when a person experiences this condition that all four theories may be to blame at once. In this health guide, you will learn about the theories that have been established pertaining to the onset of MS.
Genetics
One of the first theories pertaining to the onset of MS is genetics. It has been established that if an individual has a relative that suffers from this autoimmune disease that they have a higher chance of developing the condition themselves. This does not mean that the medical condition is a genetic condition; it just means that if a relative has the condition, the probability increases for developing the condition.
Statistically speaking, if a person has a parent or a brother or a sister with the condition, they have a one in forty chance of acquiring the illness. If a person has no relative with the condition, the probability that MS will develop is one in one thousand. Genetics are still being researched to learn more about its relation to MS.
The Immune System
It has been established that the immune system seems to play an important role in the onset of multiple sclerosis. In patients that have been evaluated for this condition, it was found that the body's natural defense system seemed to literally attack various internal components of the body.
The two main areas that seem to suffer the most damage as a result of these attacks are the components of the central nervous system - the brain as well as the spinal cord. The nerves are the components that are directly targeted by a person's immunity. Once the nerves are damaged, it could result in complications as far as cognitive functioning and range of mobility.
Environmental Factors
Many doctors believe that MS may be caused by environmental based factors. This theory comes as a result that it has been found that certain individuals in certain regions of the world are more prone to developing this autoimmune disease. Most cases of this condition are located quite far away from the equator.
It is a known fact that as a person moves farther away from this imaginary line that breaks the world in half that they receive less exposure to the sun. This could indicate that Vitamin D that comes from the sun could have a larger impact on a person's risk of suffering from MS.
Infection
The next possible cause of MS is one or more viruses. It is a known fact that viruses have the potential to damage the body. It could be that a particular virus is experienced that causes confusion in the body's natural defense system.
Instead of looking for potentially dangerous foreign agents, the immune system seeks out the healthy cells and nerved of the body. If you or someone that you know suffers from this condition, it is quite likely that you will never learn the reasons behind the onset of the disease. However, there are many treatments that will assist in the progression of the illness.
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