Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a severe autoimmune disease that damages the brain’s nerve cells. It affects brain-body communication, leading to lack of mobility, vision loss, slurred speech, among other symptoms. MS is a progressive disorder that can be categorized into multiple stages. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the condition, and medication can only help control the symptoms. This article discusses the leading causes and warning signs of MS.

Causes of multiple sclerosis
There are no definitive causes for MS, but certain factors are known to increase the risk of the disease:

1. Vitamin D deficiency
Studies suggest that a lack of vitamin D in the body can lead to MS. Therefore, people living far away from the equator in colder regions are more prone to the condition. Exposure to the morning sun and eating vitamin D-rich foods can be beneficial.

2. Viral infections that damage the immune system
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease. Hence, the risk increases when the immune system becomes weak due to infections. The Epstein-Barr virus infection and cytomegalovirus infection are linked with increased MS risk.

3. Genetic factors
MS is not strongly linked with family history, and direct hereditary risks are often not reported. But some patients do acquire the genetic variations at the time of birth. Identifying such variations early helps eliminate the risk.

4. Lifestyle
Smoking increases the risk significantly, and the frequency of smoking also has a role to play. Another factor is body weight; men and women with excess fat have a higher risk of the condition.

Warning signs of multiple sclerosis
The condition often starts as a simple feeling of weakness but progresses rapidly in some patients. Here are the warning signs to look out for:

1. Paralysis of the face
Facial palsy is not linked with many health problems. So if a person observes paralysis in portions of the face, they must get checked for MS immediately.

2. Loss of vision – full or partial
Optic neuritis is one of the most common symptoms associated with MS. Some people notice peripheral vision loss, while others experience a complete loss of vision in one eye. The disease leads to inflammation of the optic nerve, which affects eyesight in many ways.

3. Dizziness that does not go away
Dizziness caused by most health conditions resolves on its own. But if the problem persists for long or makes one feel giddy even to walk, it could be a warning sign of MS.

Managing MS is easier when one knows what causes it. Patients should avoid the triggers that worsen the symptoms and choose a suitable treatment plan from the early stages to reduce the discomfort that the disease brings with it.