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Hereditary?

Two of my adult kids have MS, male and female, diagnosed in their 40's. I have had symptoms I believe as well. My question: If I have it, could I have passed it on to my I children?

  1. Absolutely. MS is hereditary. I got my MS from my mother. One of her sisters, my aunt gave one of her daughters MS, who is now in a wheelchair. I hate to say it, but if you have a disease and know that it is hereditary, it would be wise for you to adopt children if you would like to have children.

    1. Hi, CC4Ryder! I can understand why you might be concerned about this. There is a genetic component to MS, but having a first degree relative (sibling, parent, child) with MS only slightly raises an individual's chances of developing the disease. You can read more about the genetic factor and MS here -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/causes/genetics-contribute-to-risk-for-developing-ms/. I hope this answers your question and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have anymore questions or concerns. We are happy to help in nay way we can. Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.

      1. Yes MS is unfortunately hereditary since your genes are transferred to your kids. It does not matter whether you had it or not since one of your family members must have dealt with MS in their life which they could pass on during your family lineage.

        1. Yes, it can be, at around a 5% chance if you have a parent with the MonSter. My maternal grandfather had it and died when I was a bit over 1 y.o.. I was diagnosed in '98 at 25.

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