What causes Multiple Sclerosis?
What are the risk factors?
If any medical treatments are ordered by my doctor, will my insurance cover them?
Who provides the medical care?

1. What causes Multiple Sclerosis?

The exact cause of multiple sclerosis (MS) is not known. However, there are a number of factors that may be involved:

• Immunology - Researchers now agree that MS has an autoimmune factor, where a specific type of immune cells are attacked. It is not known which antigen or antigens attack those cells.
• Vitamin D deficiency - Scientists are studying the relationship between sunlight and MS, as there are fewer cases of MS in areas closer to the equator.
• Genetics - There is a genetic factor in MS. Having a first-degree relative with MS increases a person's chance of also developing MS several-fold above the general population.

2. What are the risk factors?

Some factors that can increase the risk of developing MS include:

• Gender - Women are two to three times more likely to develop MS than men.
• Genetics - A first-degree relative with MS increases the risk of MS.
• Geography - More MS cases are found in northern latitudes than in area closer to the equator.

3. If any medical treatments are ordered by my doctor, will my insurance cover them?

Depending on the type of coverage, most commercial insurance carriers will pay the major share of the cost. You should always consult your insurance company to determine proper coverage.

4. Who provides the medical care?

The team at Advocate Christ Medical Center is staffed by a specially trained team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, and nurses, who are dedicated to caring for patients with multiple sclerosis. You will remain under the care of your primary care physician while you are treated by the specialists at Christ Medical Center. To ensure that your physician is kept up-to-date, our team will provide ongoing reports on the progress you have made.

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