If you have MS, the protective layer of myelin around some of the nerve fibers of your brain, optic nerve, and spinal cord become damaged. Researchers think there could be an environmental trigger, such as a virus or toxin, that sets off the immune system attack. As your immune system attacks myelin, it causes demyelination.
This can go into remission as new layers of myelin form, but chronic inflammation can lead to scar tissue, which can result in lasting neurological impairment. Scientists have identified some genes that seem to increase susceptibility to developing MS, according to a review of studies published in Find out more about the possible causes of MS.
About 10 to 15 percent of people with MS have only rare attacks and minimal disability 10 years after diagnosis, according to NMSS. This is sometimes called benign MS. People with RRMS can be in remission for many years. A lack of disability after 5 years is usually a good indicator for the future. The disease tends to be more severe and debilitating in men, according to a review of studies.
Your quality of life with MS will depend on your symptoms and how well you respond to treatment. Take a closer look at the prognosis for people with MS. MS can develop all at once, or the symptoms can be so mild that you easily dismiss them.
Three of the most common early symptoms of MS are:. You may go weeks, months, or even years between flare-ups. These symptoms can have many different causes. Most experts believe that MS in men tends to be more aggressive and recovery from relapses is often incomplete. Discover more early signs of MS. Your doctor may prescribe other medications to treat specific symptoms. Regular exercise is important for physical and mental health, even if you have disabilities. If physical movement is difficult, swimming or exercising in a swimming pool can help.
Some yoga classes are designed just for people with MS. A well-balanced diet , low in empty calories and high in nutrients and fiber, will help you manage your overall health. The healthier your diet, the better your overall health. You should try to limit or avoid :. If you have other medical conditions, ask your doctor if you should follow a special diet or take any dietary supplements. Check out these additional tips for eating an MS-friendly diet.
The exact cause of MS is still unknown. However, there are several risk factors for developing MS. If you have mobility issues, falling may put you at an increased risk for bone fractures. Having other conditions, such as arthritis and osteoporosis , can complicate matters. Mobility issues can lead to a lack of physical activity, which can cause other health problems. Fatigue and mobility issues may also have an effect on sexual function.
Discover more effects of MS. In a study, however, the Society estimated that around 1 million Americans have MS. Check out more MS facts and statistics here. You should focus on communicating your concerns with your doctor, learning all you can about MS, and discovering what makes you feel your best. This is the layer that surrounds your nerves, protecting them and helping electrical signals travel from the brain to the rest of the body. The attacks cause the myelin sheath to become inflamed in small patches plaques or lesions , which can be seen on an MRI scan.
It can slow them down, jumble them, send them the wrong way, or stop them getting through completely. These attacks, particularly if frequent and repeated, can eventually lead to permanent damage to the underlying nerves. It seems likely that it's partly caused by genes you inherit from your parents and partly by outside factors that may trigger the condition. Further research is needed to understand more about why MS occurs and whether anything can be done to prevent it.
The risk of developing MS is also increased when other first degree relative parents, siblings and children have MS, but far less than in identical twins. About genes have been identified that each contribute a small amount to the overall risk of developing MS.
Research is ongoing to better understand genetic risk and other factors that contribute to the development of MS.
Many people with MS ask if their disease was caused by a virus or other infectious agent. Much research has focused on trying to answer this question. Learn More. Download Document. Download Brochure. Our MS Navigators help identify solutions and provide access to the resources you are looking for. Call or contact us online. Contact Us. If you or someone close to you has recently been diagnosed, access our MS information and resources. Start Here. Subscribe to receive emails from the National MS Society including research news, health and wellness tips, invitations to local programs, events, fundraising and more.
The cause of MS is not known. Scientists believe MS is triggered by a combination of factors. Once in the CNS, T cells release chemicals that cause inflammation and damage.
This results in damage to myelin, nerve fibers and the cells that make myelin. T cells are also important to help activate B cells and call on other immune system cells to participate in the immune attack.
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