Why Does MS Look Different for Everyone? Exploring Causes, Genetics, and the Power of Individuality

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of those conditions that keeps researchers—and patients—guessing. Why? Because MS isn’t a one-size-fits-all disease. It’s as unique as the people who live with it. Some folks have a family history, others don’t. Some are from parts of the world where MS is more common, others aren’t. And sometimes, MS shows up in people who don’t match any of the “usual” risk factors at all.

MS: A Genetic Puzzle (But Not a Simple One)

Let’s start with genetics. MS isn’t inherited directly, like some genetic conditions. You can’t pass it down like a family heirloom, but you can inherit a higher risk of developing it.

• Over 200 genes have been linked to MS risk, but none of them cause MS on their own.
• The biggest genetic risk factor is a variant in the HLA-DRB1 gene, called HLA-DRB1*15:01. If you have this variant, your risk of developing MS is about three times higher than someone who doesn’t.
• Family history matters: If a parent or sibling has MS, your risk is higher—about 2–4% for first-degree relatives, compared to 0.1–0.3% in the general population. If both parents have MS, the risk is even greater.
• Identical twins have a much higher risk if one has MS, but it’s still only about 25–30%—meaning even with identical genes, most twins don’t both get MS.

Geography and Environment: The Wildcards

MS is more common in certain parts of the world—especially places farther from the equator. Scientists think sun exposure (and vitamin D levels), infections (like Epstein-Barr virus), and even ancestry play a role.

• Steppe ancestry (think ancient populations from the Eurasian steppe) seems to carry a higher genetic risk for MS, according to recent research.
• Environmental factors like low vitamin D, smoking, and certain infections can increase risk, but not everyone with these risk factors gets MS.

The Mystery of the “No Risk Factor” Club

Here’s where it gets really interesting: some people with MS don’t have any known risk factors. No family history, no specific ancestry, no obvious environmental triggers. That’s why MS is considered a “complex disease”—it’s a mix of genetics, environment, and probably some luck (or bad luck, depending on how you look at it).

What Does This Mean for You?

Because MS is so individual, it needs an individual approach. What works for one person might not work for another. That’s why at The Neuro Studio, we focus on brain-based, personalized strategies for managing MS symptoms and improving quality of life.

If you’re curious about the science behind MS risk and genetics, check out this article for a deeper dive. And if you want to connect with others navigating the MS journey, join our [Monthly Chats with Mariska] (link to your monthly chat page).

For more brain-based strategies and support, explore our MS Master Plan.

Bottom line:

MS is a puzzle with many pieces—genetics, environment, ancestry, and more. But the most important piece is you. That’s why we believe in a brain-based, personalized approach to living well with MS.

In health,
Mariska