First Questions
What causes MS?
The causes of MS are unknown. Research suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may play a role in its development.
Genes and family history:
MS is not directly inherited and, unlike some conditions, there is no single gene that causes it. It is possible that a combination of genes make some people more susceptible to developing MS; however, these genes are also common in the general population. Therefore, genes are only part of the story and other factors are involved in MS. Whilst MS can occur more than once in a family, it is more likely this will not happen. Indeed, there is only a two per cent chance of a child developing MS when a parent is affected.
Environmental factors:
MS is more common in areas further away from the equator. It is virtually unheard of in places like Malaysia or Ecuador but relatively common in Britain, North America, Canada and Scandinavia. It is not clear why, but it is possible that something in the environment, perhaps bacteria or a virus, plays a role. No single virus has been identified as contributing to MS, but some researchers think that a common childhood virus may act as a trigger. This theory remains unproven and many people who do not have MS would have been exposed to these viruses. The cause of MS is not known.
What are the different types of MS?
There are four types of MS, each with its own characteristics. Some people may be only mildly affected throughout their lives while, for others, progression may occur quite quickly. Most people with MS experience something in between these extremes. It is not always clear what type of MS someone has, particularly when newly diagnosed. Regardless of the type of MS, health professionals will base symptom management on individual needs.
Relapsing remitting MS
Most people are first diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS. This means they experience a relapse or flare up of symptoms (also known as an attack or exacerbation) followed by remission (a period of recovery).
A relapse is defined by the appearance of new symptoms, or the return of old symptoms, for a period of 24 hours or more, in the absence of a change in core body temperature or infection. Relapses occur when inflammatory cells attack the myelin of specific nerves, interfering with the job the nerve normally does. For example, inflammation in the optic nerve may result in visual problems. Relapses usually take a few days to develop and can last for days, weeks or months, varying from mild to severe. Remission occurs when the inflammation subsides and symptoms settle down.
In the early stages of relapsing remitting MS, symptoms can disappear completely during remissions. However, after several relapses there may be some residual damage to the myelin, resulting in only a partial recovery.
Secondary progressive MS
Most people who start out with relapsing remitting MS later develop a form that is known as secondary progressive MS. In secondary progressive MS, symptoms do not go away completely after a relapse and there is a steady increase in disability. To determine if a person has moved on to secondary progressive MS, they must have shown a continued deterioration for at least six months, whether they continue to have relapses or not.
On average, 65 per cent of people with relapsing remitting MS will have developed secondary progressive MS within 15 years of diagnosis.
Benign MS
People with relapsing remitting MS who only have a small number of relapses, followed by a complete recovery, may be described as having benign MS. It is only possible to make a diagnosis of benign MS once a person has experienced little or no disability for a period of 10 to 15 years. However, a diagnosis of benign MS does not mean they will be free of problems; a relapse may occasionally occur after many years in which the MS has been inactive.
Primary progressive MS
Primary progressive MS is a relatively unusual form of MS which tends to be diagnosed in older people, usually in their forties or later. From the outset, those with primary progressive MS experience steadily worsening symptoms and an increase in disability. Symptoms may level off at any time, or may continue to worsen. Approximately 10 to 15 per cent of people with MS have the primary progressive form.
Is it hereditary or contagious?
MS is not hereditary however, there are genetic risks factors that can make a person more susceptible to MS, if someone in their family already has MS.
MS is not contagious.
Who is diagnosed with MS?
Woman are nearly three times more likely to get MS than men. MS is more common in temperate climates and is therefore rarely diagnosed in countries around the equator. MS is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 60, although it can occur at any age. MS is not commonly diagnosed among children.