Experts have long been investigating what causes Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Unfortunately, there are not yet any clear-cut answers, but scientists do have some understanding of the factors that can contribute to a person’s risk. It’s believed that a combination of immunologic, environmental, infections, and genetic factors could play a role in the development of MS.

Is Multiple Sclerosis Genetic?

Specifically, many people wonder whether MS can run in the family. The disease is not inherited, meaning it doesn’t get passed down from one generation to the next, but there is a slightly higher risk of having it if a relative does. For the average person, the risk of having MS is roughly 1 in 750 to 1,000. If a first-degree relative has it, the risk is slightly higher. If an identical twin has the disease, the risk jumps much higher, to 1 in 4.

Ongoing research is being conducted in the field of genetics to better understand how genes could play a role in the development of MS. Roughly 200 genes have been identified to slightly contribute to the risk.

Other Potential Risk Factors

While there’s still relatively little known about the causative agents behind MS, experts do know that the disease is characterized by an abnormal immune system response that causes inflammation and damage to the central nervous system. A deeper understanding of the cellular processes that cause MS will help researchers learn what could start this immune system malfunction.

Currently, there’s some belief that low vitamin D levels could be a risk factor, especially since fewer people closer to the equator appear to experience MS. Other potential contributing factors may include smoking, obesity in childhood, and certain viruses and bacterial infections.

Until we know what does cause MS, it will continue to be important to make healthy choices to reduce the risk of not only MS but also conditions in general. Even in people who already have MS, lifestyle tactics like regular exercise or physical therapy, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking can help reduce symptoms.

This post was written by a medical professional at Stemedix Inc. At Stemedix we provide access to Regenerative Medicine for multiple sclerosis, also known as stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis. Regenerative medicine has the natural potential to help improve symptoms sometimes lost from the progression of many conditions.