Integrating Genetic and Environmental Risk Scores Into an Algorithm to Predict Multiple Sclerosis Susceptibility
The purpose of the research study is to identify the genetic, environmental and immune profiles that may increase a person's risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). While MS is not a disease caused by a single variation in genetic material (DNA), a single environmental factor, or a single malfunction in immune cells, there are genetic alterations, environmental exposures and immunologic factors that make the development of MS more likely. Obtaining information about who is at risk for MS will be beneficial in the future if the investigators can identify effective ways to prevent or slow down the progression of this disease.
• First Degree Relatives of Patients with MS, or
• Patients who have received anti-TNFa therapy as treatment for inflammatory diseases other than MS such as Crohn's disease, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, or
• Patients that have been referred for an evaluation of first presentation of neurologic symptoms but do not have a diagnosis of MS
• Live in the United States