First genetic variant linked to severity of multiple sclerosis found

Multiple sclerosis patients who inherit two copies of a particular genetic variant appear to face a faster progression of their disease. — AFP

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong condition in which a person's body is attacked by its own immune system, causing a range of symptoms, including problems with vision, movement and balance.

For some people, the symptoms can come and go in phases called relapses, while in others, they become progressively worse.