by 
The Curious Bag
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Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the body itself. The root cause of multiple sclerosis is not well understood, although several theories have been advanced.
Theories/Speculation
Genetics or viral infection, or some combination of the two, may lie behind multiple sclerosis, according to the Mayo Clinic and Medline Plus.
Location
Multiple sclerosis is more likely to occur in some parts of the world, including northern Europe, the northern portion of the U.S., the south of Australia and in New Zealand, according to Medline Plus.
Immune Response
In multiple sclerosis, the immune system works against nerve cells; this causes inflammation in the nerve cells, which may be recurring or constant, according to Medline Plus.
Features
Inflammation in nerve cells, according to Medline Plus and the Mayo Clinic, leads to the loss of the protective outer layer of nerve cells called myelin.
Effects
The loss of the insulating layer of nerve cells causes nerve signals to slow down or stop, leading to the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, according to Medline Plus and the Mayo Clinic.
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