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What causes MS? The short answer is: we don't know. However, there is research being undertaken around the world to understand more about the cause of MS. Some of these studies explore whether certain people may be genetic predisposed to MS while others look at environmental factors such as climate.Why not join the discussion and find out what other MSers think?

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@Matt1216 

20 Jan 2017 13:13Last reply 24 Mar 2020 21:56

Matt1216

The root causes of MS?

Been dealing with MS for 3 years now. After some research I realized all modern medicine had to offer was "symptom management". My doctors weren't interested in what was causing my MS or curing it, only providing me with RX drugs to control symptoms. (and keep my drug dependent $$$) So I started res...
  • Research
  • Symptoms
  • Cause
11

@Jpetridish 

20 Jul 2025 02:33 EditedLast reply 25 Jul 2025 03:49

Jpetridish

Hello, so I have a question or just want anyone’s opinion or help if possible please. I first had optic neuritis in 2021, was put on steroids and eventually got better but did leave some perminent damage. I had my first baby in 2023 and after I started to slow down breast feeding I started to get some interesting symptoms. Every morning my hands would be extremely itchy not like dry skin, but from the inside it was driving me insane it was every day and then I started getting random pain either on the top of my head like a bad bruise or on my back which I even thought was shingles, cause it was so painful to the lightest touch, but there was nothing there I even went to the doctor and in about a week that pain subsided The hand itching and the pain on my head continued though. In January I had noticed signs of optic neuritis happening again, but in my other eye, I went to the doctors right away and they had sent me to the emergency room. I was put on Iv steroids and got an MRI I was there for about four days. They saw some white matter lesions in my brain, but it wasn’t clear because of movement. They then did a spinal tap which came out clear. I had gone home and had to follow up with a neurologist about a week after I got home? I had horrible symptoms I was holding my child and my knees gave out my hands were hurting. I was twitching all the time I could not sit still it was worse when I was laying down at night my body just would not stop moving and at some point I could not feel my foot I felt like it was in an ice bucket. I was extremely tired, and I would get random goosebumps in blotches on my arms for no apparent reason I started getting some bad headaches too I then woke up one morning and I could not lift my left arm. It was like it was asleep. I would get pins and needles and different parts of my body also but the muscle weakness in my left arm was horrible. I could barely hold anything. It is still like this to this day, but not as bad if anybody came up and touched me without me, knowing my whole body would spaz out almost like my reflexes were on high drive I have seen three different neurologist since the first neurologist is convinced I have MS the other two which I actually liked better and our MS specialists keep saying I may have it. They did a repeat of my MRIs and again had some white manner lesions in my brain, but they were identical and not in the usual spots where MS lesions would be so they am holding off on fully diagnosing me and want to wait and repeat and see if there are new lesions in the following months. I have not been able to work since since I have a physical job I have good days and bad days if I get sunburn the very next day my hands feel like they’re in a vice. The pain is horrible. I want to know what everyone thinks do I have MS are they just trying to cover their butts and wait or what

First posted on the Shift.ms app
10

@JeffT 

16 Jul 2025 04:09Last reply 16 Jul 2025 04:30

JeffT

So…had a swallow study done today. It showed Oropharyngeal dysphagia. It explains some things I’ve been experiencing. Neurologist and SLP want to see me. I’m 59 years old in a few weeks and have PPMS. Thoughts? Cause for concern or not a big deal?

First posted on the Shift.ms app
3

@chrissydoz 

15 Jul 2025 23:25 EditedLast reply 16 Jul 2025 00:39

chrissydoz

Just signed up here. I was diagnosed last fall and started on Tysabri in Dec. So far it’s been really good. My symptoms have gotten better (which no one promised me). Lately, some things have gotten worse. Life has been stressful recently and I know that can cause relapses. I’m curious how everyone managed their stress level.

First posted on the Shift.ms app
5

@robbie2499 

26 Jun 2025 22:10Last reply 1 Jul 2025 10:06

robbie2499

My neurologist insists that MS does not cause pain.

I don't even know what to say to that!
Brighton, United States
27

@SandyDewalt 

30 Jun 2025 15:06

SandyDewalt

Before I got diagnosed with this illness I used to jog walk as morning exercise now I can barely walk it's really frustrating that I can't do the things I once did before it causes me to get in my emotions where I cry this is so hard for me.

First posted on the Shift.ms app

@tjsgls 

13 Jun 2025 17:34Last reply 17 Jun 2025 02:56

tjsgls

What is everyone’s opinion regarding mono/Epstein Barr as teen having caused ms?

First posted on the Shift.ms app
33

@Fuzzybunny 

18 Aug 2024 20:23Last reply 10 Jun 2025 20:59

Fuzzybunny

Does it cause any harm to do things that make symptoms temporarily worse?

My right leg goes very heavy and mildly numb after I exercise, specifically after using the rowing machine (I imagine other cardio would do it but I only row for cardio) and sometimes if I walk for a long time. I can tolerate the temporary heavy leg but I don't want to be doing any actual damage.....
, United Kingdom
  • Exercise
  • Healthy living
  • Symptoms
  • Numbness
First posted on the Shift.ms app
40

@littleMStish 

31 May 2025 11:35 EditedLast reply 4 Jun 2025 11:34

littleMStish

Has anyone’s doctors tried to find the cause of their MS? I think it’s bazaar that nobody cares what caused this in me, in the first place. No family history.

First posted on the Shift.ms app
30

@boat 

30 May 2025 13:35Last reply 30 May 2025 14:43

boat

I just read that Mavenclad can cause cancer or increase risks of getting it. How true is that? My MS doc didn't inform me about it :(

First posted on the Shift.ms app
4
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