Who Is Most at Risk of Developing Multiple Sclerosis? - Inside Health

In the U.S., nearly one-million people have multiple sclerosis, also called MS. It's a disease of the central nervous system. The cause is unknown but the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord. It was previously believed that MS was less common in African-Americans, which led to under-diagnosis and under-treatment. However, recent studies show the risk of developing MS is actually 47% higher in African-American women and is at least as high in African-American men as in white men. The earlier you're diagnosed, the better your outcome may be. Dr. Holly Phillips explains.