This chapter is about multiple sclerosis causes and risk factors.
Doctors still don't understand exactly what causes multiple sclerosis. But ongoing research shows many reasons could be at play, including your genes, where you live, and even the air you breathe.
In basic terms, scientists simply don’t know what causes multiple sclerosis, or MS. Your genes play at least some part.
MS doesn’t have a cure, but scientists are one step closer to figuring out what triggers it. Strong evidence shows that viruses can trigger the process, especially Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
Multiple sclerosis and diabetes are connected – first, because they share some of the same symptoms, and second, because some research suggests they might have some of the same causes.
While doctors don’t know exactly what causes MS, studies have shown that some people have a higher chance of forming the disease based on certain things.