Overview
Multiple Sclerosis or M.S. is a chronic disease. This disease affects the CNS (Central Nervous System). The CNS includes the brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves. Multiple Sclerosis causes your body’s immune system to start attacking the protective sheath known as myelin. Myelin is the protective tissue around the nerve …show more content…
In recent years, researchers have been able to identify which immune cells are mounting the attack, some of the factors that cause them to attack, and some of the sites (receptors) on the attacking cells that appear to be attracted to the myelin to begin the destructive process. Ongoing efforts to learn more about the immune-mediated process in MS — what sets it in motion, how it works, and how to slow or stop it — are bringing us closer to understanding the cause of MS.”
In recent findings research has identified which of the immune cells were attacking, and some of the factors that cause them to attack. The infectious factor is one the scientists believe come from numerous viruses and bacteria during childhood. They are investigating dozens of bacteria and viruses to see if they are involved. The genetic factor is not hereditary. They believe having a first-degree relative increases one's risk for the disease. None of these are a fact however researchers are working hard to help find what may be causing it so they can then go on to help find a