5 Things You Need to Know About What Causes Multiple Sclerosis

1. What It Is

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system. It is a degenerative disease caused by damage to the myelin sheath. This sheath covers the nerve cells to protect them. Plaque and wounds form on nerves in the brain, eyes and spinal cord. Inflammation of the central nerves causes destruction of the protective sheath. Once their protective covering is destroyed, nerves are exposed. Much like electrical wires, they touch each other and short circuit. Once they short circuit, "power" stops flowing. Transmission of nerve impulses is hindered and motor function deteriorates. Multiple Sclerosis is often difficult to diagnose because it mimics other disorders.

2. Who Gets It

Multiple Sclerosis usually strikes young adults between the ages of 20 to 40. It strikes more women than men. Strangely, pregnancy can be a risk factor for developing Multiple Sclerosis, but this rarely happens. Another person at risk for developing Multiple Sclerosis is someone who lives in an extremely cold climate. Constant cold seems to have an effect on the central nervous system.

3. Case Causes

What causes Multiple Sclerosis is not completely clear. Research continues, but some findings show that there may be a genetic predisposition to getting Multiple Sclerosis in some people. In approximately 15% of MS cases, there is a family history of the disease. The presence of certain clusters of genes on the cell wall may cause vulnerability to viruses that trigger Multiple Sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease, so when the virus kicks in, MS is activated in some people with these certain gene clusters. Some research shows that environmental factors may play a part.

4. Other Risk Factors

There are several risk factors for developing Multiple Sclerosis. Infections, physical injuries and extreme emotional stress are some. The body's defenses are sometimes weakened by a bout with a serious infection, leaving the central nervous system vulnerable. Physical injuries resulting from falls, sports injuries or automobile accidents, for example, leave the body's central nervous system in a compromised position and open to an attack. The extreme emotional stress of some of life's situations (death of a loved one, divorce or separation) can leave a person's defenses low. Stress takes a tremendous toll on the body.

5. Fatigue Factor

Not surprisingly in our fast-paced society, constant fatigue may be a factor in developing Multiple Sclerosis. When the body is unable to recover its strength after long periods of work or play (or when suffering from insomnia), the immune system weakens. Some research indicates that Type-A personalities (or "workaholics") may be at risk for developing this disease of the central nervous system. Unable to de-stress, relax and detoxify, some people make themselves vulnerable to nervous system disorders.