Is Multiple Sclerosis Hereditary?
Many people wonder if multiple sclerosis (MS) runs in families or is inherited from parents. MS is not directly passed from parent to child, but having a family member with MS can raise a person’s risk a little . So, even though it isn’t considered an inherited disease, family history does play a role in risk. There are over 200 genes that might affect someone’s chances of getting MS, but genetics is just one piece of the puzzle. Other factors, like environment, lifestyle choices, and immune system issues, also have an impact. To truly understand your risk, it’s important to look at the whole picture—not just family history. Key Takeaways MS is not directly inherited from parents. Both genetic and non-genetic factors affect MS risk. Diagnosis and long-term outlook depend on many different influences. What Is Multiple Sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. It is considered an autoimmune disorder , which means th...