Is the MS (Multiple Sclerosis) hereditary?

hart · Newbie Joined: 22 Apr 2005 Posts: 16

Hi, I'm 33 years old and I have a question about multiple sclerosis that is bothering me for a long time now. I would like to know if multiple sclerosis a hereditary disease. The reason why I'm interested in knowing this is because I have a family history of this disease, most of my family father and my older sister, have multiple sclerosis and also some of my ancestors reaching even to the 4. generation in the past. What are the chances that I could get multiple sclerosis and is it scientifically proven that MS is hereditary?

augustson · Newbie Joined: 22 Apr 2005 Posts: 14

The real cause of multiple sclerosis has not been determined yet. It is an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system, causing the destruction of the supportive structures of the CNS and subsequent deterioration of the function of the brain. There are many speculations about the real causes of the disease but no real connection has been found between factors that may cause it and the disease itself. For now we cannot say that the disease itself is hereditary, but the studies among many families have shown that the prevalence for the disease can be hereditary. The research has also shown that most affected are Caucasian women between 15 and 35 years of age. That doesn’t mean that it cannot affect other races. Also, although black Africans have almost no MS, African Americans have incidence of MS that is very close to Caucasians. It is still thought that causes of multiple sclerosis are in the environment, so people living in the continental, European climate are more likely to get the disease then those living in other areas of the world, no matter what heir origin is. I can't tell you much about your chances for getting multiple sclerosis but the according to the research the possibility might be up to 20 %. If youre experiencing any symptoms of MS or have any other question about it be sure to consult your physician.

bchiligirlx4 · Newbie Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 1

My son was just diagnosed at the age of 18 with MS. He developed symptoms at age 16, to the severety where we thought it was a stroke. I am his mother and am 39, and the last week have started to experience the same symptoms he first started out with and continues to have. Is it possible for a mother and son to both have MS and if so, what are the chances of my other 3 children developing this later in life?

Guest · Guest

This is an excellent question. I have recently found myself asking a similar question. They say it is not an hereditary disease but my mother, sister, brother and now possibly myself have been diagnosed. My Doctor said they think although MS is not known to be hereditary a virus that may cause it can be. I find it very hard to believe that all of us have it and they still consider this disease not hereditary. If I were you I would see if you could get an MRI. Better safe than sorry. Hopefully, knowing that it was a possibility I found it early...my siblings and mother were not so lucky. Sad

melaniem1197 · Newbie Joined: 15 Jun 2008 Posts: 1

my daughter is sixteen and her father has had it for 14 years, I can't get a straight answer if it is hereditary or not - what can I do to try to prevent my beautiful girl from developing it

Is the MS (Multiple Sclerosis) hereditary?

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