How did I get MS?
by
All About MS
on Sun 27 May 2007 04:00 AM CST |
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Cosmos
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Multiple sclerosis results in the body's own cells attacking the myelin sheath. However it is not known what triggers this autoimmune response (meaning one's own body attacking another body component). The disease may have genetic and/or environmental components.
Women are twice as likely as men to develop multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, the disease generally starts between the ages of 20 and 40. In North America it is more common in Caucasians, especially those of northern European descent.
The exact cause of MS is yet unknown. A virus or environmental factors likely trigger a process in which the body's own immune system turns against and destroys the nerves' myelin sheath. Some people may also be more likely to get MS because of characteristics that are passed down from generation to generation in their family. | | |
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