Causes of Multiple Sclerosis

The causes of Multiple Sclerosis is still unknown, but scientists have come up with scientific theories that may lead to the discovery of the real causes of the said disease.

Major Scientific Theories

IMMUNOLOGIC ENVIRONMENTAL

INFECTIOUS
GENETIC

Major Scientific Theories

IMMUNOLOGIC ENVIRONMENTAL

INFECTIOUS
GENETIC

IMMUNOLOGIC
For now, it is generally accepted that MS involves an immune-mediated process, directed against the myelin, in the central nervous system.

IMMUNOLOGIC
The exact antigen remains unknown, which is why MS is considered as immunemediated, rather than autoimmune.

IMMUNOLOGIC
Further researches conducted by researchers- what sets it in motion, how it works, and how to slow or stop it--- are bringing us closer to understanding the cause of Multiple Sclerosis.

Major Scientific Theories

IMMUNOLOGIC ENVIRONMENTAL

INFECTIOUS
GENETIC

Major Scientific Theories

IMMUNOLOGIC ENVIRONMENTAL

INFECTIOUS
GENETIC

ENVIRONMENTAL
Multiple Sclerosis is known to occur more frequently in areas that are farther from the equator.

ENVIRONMENTAL
Studies of epidemiologists have brought about new theories for the causes of MS.

ENVIRONMENTAL
Some scientists think that its because of lack of Vitamin D. People who live near the equator tend to have more Vit. D intake than that of the people living far from the equator, making them less prone to autoimmune diseases like MS.

ENVIRONMENTAL
Other scientists study MS clusters-defined as higher-than-expected number of cases that have ocurred over a specific time period and/or in a specific area because they may provide clues to environmental factors that may cause the trigger of the disease.

Major Scientific Theories

IMMUNOLOGIC ENVIRONMENTAL

INFECTIOUS
GENETIC

Major Scientific Theories

IMMUNOLOGIC ENVIRONMENTAL

INFECTIOUS
GENETIC

INFECTIOUS
Since initial exposure to numerous viruses, bacteria and other microbes occurs during childhood, and since viruses are well recognized as causes of demyelination and inflammation, it is possible that a virus or other infectious agent is the triggering factor in MS.

INFECTIOUS
More than a dozen viruses and bacteria, including measles, canine distemper, human herpes virus-6, Epstein-Barr, and Chlamydia pneumonia have been or are being investigated to determine if they are involved in the development of MS, but none have been definitively proven to trigger MS.

Major Scientific Theories

IMMUNOLOGIC ENVIRONMENTAL

INFECTIOUS
GENETIC

Major Scientific Theories

IMMUNOLOGIC ENVIRONMENTAL

INFECTIOUS
GENETIC

GENETIC
While Multiple Sclerosis is not hereditary in a strict sense, having a first-degree relative such as a parent or sibling with MS increases an individual's risk of developing the disease several-fold above the risk for the general population.

GENETIC
Studies have shown that there is a higher prevalence of certain genes in populations with higher rates of MS. Common genetic factors have also been found in some families where there is more than one person with MS.

GENETIC
Some researchers theorize that MS develops because a person is born with a genetic predisposition to react to some environmental agent that, upon exposure, triggers an autoimmune response.

SO, ONCE AGAIN

Major Scientific Theories

IMMUNOLOGIC ENVIRONMENTAL

INFECTIOUS
GENETIC

REFERENCE
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/aboutmultiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-aboutms/what-causes-ms/index.aspx