What Causes MS?

Who gets MS?

Anyone may develop MS, but there are some patterns.

• Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50.
• Two to three times as many women as men have MS.
• Studies indicate that genetic factors make certain individuals more susceptible than others, but there is no evidence that MS is directly inherited.
• MS occurs more commonly among people with northern European ancestry, but people of African, Asian, and Hispanic backgrounds are not immune.

see also gets MS.asp NMSS: who gets MS

MS and flu shots

There is no conclusive evidence that flu vaccination (or any other vaccination) increases the chance of a relapse. However, viral infections (such as the flu) may trigger MS attacks. Therefore, people with MS may want to consider getting an annual flu shot to avoid infection and any attacks it may trigger.

Pregnancy and MS

A common question which often arises in MS is what effect pregnancy will have on the disease. Women with MS fewer relapses than normal while they are pregnant, especially during the third trimester (last 3 months of pregnancy) but more relapses than normal during the first 3 months after giving birth. Most evidence suggests that over time these factors even out and at 5 years, patients who had a pregnancy, in general, are no worse off with their disease than those who were never pregnant. MS medications have not been proven to be safe during pregnancy, so a discussion with your Neurologist is strongly advised before deciding to become pregnant if you are taking medications for MS.