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Risk Factors for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)Main Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Living With Multiple Sclerosis | Resource Guide A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition. It is possible to develop MS with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing MS. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk. Risk factors for MS include: Medical Conditions A viral infection may trigger MS. However, researchers have not yet found a particular virus or viruses responsible for triggering MS. Some medical experts believe that it is the way certain people respond to the virus that may trigger the disease Age Risk appears to be greatest between the ages of 16 and 40. This is when most people with MS are diagnosed. Gender At younger ages, women tend to be diagnosed with MS more frequently than men. However, the gender ratio is more equally balanced in people who develop MS later in life. Genetic Factors There may be a genetic component to MS, and sometimes it occurs in families. Researchers suspect more than one gene may be involved. Ethnic Background MS is more common in people of Northern European descent, especially people who are of Scandinavian background. Other MS is more common in people who grow up in a colder climate, as opposed to a tropical climate. A person moving to a tropical locale before age 15 often adopts the lower risk associated with warmer climates. The opposite happens if the person moves to a colder climate before 15. Moving after age 15 does not change the risk. Exactly why and how environment affects risk is not known. Smoking is also thought to be associated with a higher risk of MS. References: Ebers GC. Environmental factors and MS. Lancet Neurology . 2008;7(3):268-277. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/ . National Multiple Sclerosis Society website. Available at: http://nationalmssociety.org/ . Last reviewed July 2008 by Rimas Lukas, MD Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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