Editor’s note: This is the second of a three-part series examining links to multiple sclerosis and why they may trigger this auto-immune disease that attacks the central nervous system. This information isn’t an opinion, but is statistical and draws from several research studies at home and abroad.

A report published May 11, 1995 in the Mandan News indicated that radiation could be a link in causing multiple sclerosis. More specifically, it was the radiation that escaped from nuclear reactors at Chernobyl after it exploded in April 1986.

Two specific types of radiation that escaped into the Ukrainian atmosphere were Strontium-90, a radioactive isotope that, upon decay, can damage DNA and lead to cellular dysfunction. Another radiation is called Cesium-137 which is a long-lived isotope and can persist in the environment and the body for up to 30 years and can damage various parts of the body.

Unfortunately, most of the people who survived the fire and evacuation from Chernobyl and the nearby town of Pripyat, contracted MS. A 1994 article in the Current Digest of the Post-Soviet Press indicated up to 29,000 people exposed to Chernobyl’s radiation either contracted a type of cancer or MS.
Although science today doesn’t tell us whether or not radiation actually causes MS, numerous studies have revealed the damage that radiation such as Cesium-137 and Strontium-90 can do to the human body, certainly makes it more vulnerable to contracting MS.

In addition, a National Institute of Health study said the use of radiation therapy in patients with MS is controversial because people with MS experience severe or more frequent adverse effects after radiation treatment intended for tumor control. Strontium-90 is used in bone tumors and although Cesium-137 is no longer used, it was most often administered for cervical cancer treatment.

Another unusual link to MS could be salt. Like radiation, salt isn’t positively known to trigger MS, but it does cause inflammation which eventually can break down the immune system.
A Yale University study from November of last year has identified a high-salt environment as one of the contributing factors in the development of MS.

According to this research, increased levels of the protein PRDM1-S, triggered by a high salt intake, disrupts immune regulation and contributes to diseases such as MS. This leads to what is called Treg cell dysfunction. Salt induces inflammation causing the loss of normal Treg cell function which in turn creates the inability to effectively combat infections or tumors, leading to a weakened immune response.

It is now known, through this study, that instead of suppressing inflammation and maintaining immune balance, faulty Treg cells allow auto-reactive Treg cells to attack the myelin, leading to impaired nerve signal transmission. Myelin is an insulating layer or sheath that forms around nerves including those in the brain and spinal cord.
Yet another culprit is the lack of Vitamin D. In a Mayo Clinic study, evidence shows that people with lower levels of Vitamin D have a higher risk of developing MS. People with MS tend to have lower Vitamin D levels than people without MS. Certain genes involved in Vitamin D metabolism have been linked to increased risk.
There are several additional potential factors that may increase the risk of MS. They include geography, certain viral infections, obesity and smoking.

MS is more common in regions farther from the equator, potentially because of lower levels of sunlight exposure. Viral infections like Epstein-Barr virus have been linked to an increased risk. Smokers are more likely to develop MS and experience more severe symptoms. And finally, obesity, particularly in childhood and adolescence, has been associated with an increased risk of MS.

In addition, there could be combined factors that can trigger MS.
Besides extreme fatigue and lack of motor skills, MS has some unusual symptoms. They include an itch you can’t scratch, face flashes, fiery feet, hard to swallow, spine tingling shock, blurred vision, optical illusions, sudden spasms, migraines, hearing problems and vertigo.

Any of these signs could be a red flag, so it is best to contact a physician and get a proper diagnosis.