Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that involves the central nervous system. Different individuals will experience different combinations of MS symptoms depending on the amount of nerve damage and the nerves affected. Understanding the different types of MS and risk factors will help in knowing how severe the disease can be and how one can lower their risk of getting the condition.

There are four types of MS defined by NMSS. These are used for diagnosing how far the disease has progressed.

1. Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)
In this type, there is a single episode that lasts for 24 hours or more with the same symptoms as MS. It is caused by inflammation and damage in the central nervous system. If additional activity occurs, CIS can become MS.

2. Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)
In this type of MS , people experience symptom flare-ups that usually persist for a short period, and afterward, they may be symptom-free for months or years. There can either be new symptoms or existing symptoms may become more severe.

3. Secondary-progressive MS (SPMS)
Eventually, most people will get SPMS, wherein symptoms will have a slow, steady progression. They will worsen over time with minor remissions.

4. Primary-progressive MS (PPMS)
Some people are diagnosed with PPMS, which indicates that the disease is worsening without improvement. The disease progresses slowly from the time of onset, and the symptoms have the same level of intensity without any remission periods.

Risk factors
The greater the number of risk factors, the greater is the chance of getting MS . If one is at high risk, steps can be taken to mitigate many of the risk factors.

1. Age
The risk is higher for those aged between 20 and 40 years.

2. Gender
Women at younger ages are found to have more MS than men. The risk for both men and women is the same in the later stages of life.

3. Family history
One is at a higher risk of developing the disease if one has a family history of MS.

4. Race
White people of Northern European background are at a higher risk of developing the disease.

5. Vitamin D deficiency
Those with Vitamin D deficiency have an increased risk of developing the condition.

6. Vitamin B12 deficiency
When the body produces myelin, it uses vitamin B. A deficiency of this vitamin may increase the risk of neurological diseases such as MS .

7. Autoimmune diseases
Those with other autoimmune disorders such as thyroid, pernicious anemia, and psoriasis are at a slightly higher risk of developing this disease.

8. Smoking
Smokers are more likely to be diagnosed with MS . The more a person smokes, the more is the risk.

9. Being medically overweight
Being overweight, especially in adolescence, increases the risk for MS .

Thoughthere is no cure for MS ,treatment options can help slow the progression of the disease, speed up recovery from attacks, and relieve symptoms.