Environmental factors and their timing in adult-onset multiple sclerosis.

Handel AE., Giovannoni G., Ebers GC., Ramagopalan SV.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common, complex neurological disease. Epidemiological data implicate both genetic and environmental factors in the etiology of MS, with various factors interacting with one another. Environmental exposures might occur long before the disease becomes clinically evident, as suggested by the wide range in onset age. In this Review, we examine the key time periods during which the environment might contribute to MS susceptibility, as well as the potential environmental factors involved. Understanding the nature of environmental influences in MS is highly relevant to the development of public health measures that are aimed at preventing this debilitating disease.

DOI

10.1038/nrneurol.2010.1

Type

Journal article

Journal

Nat Rev Neurol

Publication Date

03/2010

Volume

6

Pages

156 - 166

Keywords

Animals, Disease Susceptibility, Environment, Environmental Exposure, Humans, Multiple Sclerosis, Risk Factors, Time Factors

Permalink Original publication