Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 1, 2021

8 Multiple Sclerosis: Five Questions Answered In 2019, a study determined that there are nearly 1 million people in the U.S. living with multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a chronic autoimmune condition of the central nervous system. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50. MS affects women two to three times more often than men. As of yet, there isn’t a cure. Here are answers to five common questions about MS. Answer: In MS, the immune system attacks the brain or spinal cord in the central nervous system. It damages myelin, a substance that wraps around nerve fibers to protect them. That damage slows down the speed of communication between the brain or spinal cord and the rest of the body. Why the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin still isn’t clear. Nina Bozinov, M.D., M.S., is an MS specialist at Kootenai Clinic Neurology. She said while we still don’t know the cause of multiple sclerosis, we do know some risk factors associated with developing multiple sclerosis. These risk factors include family history, being of Northern European descent, vitamin D deficiency, living farther away from the equator, having other autoimmune conditions, smoking and prior exposure to certain viruses like Epstein-Barr. “In northern Idaho, much like other parts of the northwest, we have a high degree of vitamin D deficiency,” Dr. Bozinov said. “This may likely contribute to the higher rates of MS in our region. We need more real-world research to understand what is unique to our region so we can find ways to intervene.” To help prevent getting MS, Dr. Bozinov suggests starting a vitamin D supplement if you have a deficiency. She also encourages patients to focus on a healthy lifestyle, including quitting or reducing smoking, exercise, and regular preventive care with a primary care provider. What causes MS? Answer: They vary, but the most common ones are:  Fatigue  Numbness and tingling  Blurred or double vision  Weakness  Trouble with coordination and balance  Loss of bladder control or constipation  Problems with thinking and memory  Pain  Depression What is its course? What are its symptoms?