No one knows the exact cause of MS, but it is likely a mixture of genetic and environmental factors
Genes and family history
MS is not directly inherited as there is no single gene that causes it – unlike cystic fibrosis
it is likely a combination of genes that make some people more susceptible to developing MS, but not everyone with this gene combination will develop MS. Genes are only a part of the story.
while MS can occur more than once in a family it is only a 2% chance of a child developing MS when a parent is affected.
Environmental factors
MS is more common in places further away from the equator
It is virtually unheard of in Malaysia or Ecuador, but relatively common in Britain, North America, Canada, Scandinavia, southern Australia and New Zealand.
Viruses
It is not clear why people further away from the equator are more likely to develop MS. Perhaps a bacteria or virus plays a role
No single virus has been identified as definitely contributing to MS, but there is growing evidence that a common childhood virus, such as Epstein Barr virus (which can cause glandular fever), may act as a trigger.
This theory is still unproven and many people who do not have MS would have also been exposed to these viruses, so just like genes, they are unlikely to be the whole story.
Vitamin D
There is a growing amount of research that suggests that a lack of vitamin D could be a factor in causing MS.
Most of our Vitamin D is from exposure to sunlight.
Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to higher numbers of people developing many different conditions, including MS.
Smoking
smoking appears to increase the risk in developing MS
It is not clear why but one theory is that the chemicals in the cigarette smoke affect the immune system
There is still more we need to know about the link between smoking and MS. This includes whether the risk increases the more someone smokes, how smoking interacts with other risk factors for MS and whether smoking also affects progression in MS.
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