MS spinal injury affected by distance from equator?RSS Feed

Incidence of the spinal injury seen in multiple sclerosis (MS) is often linked to distance from the equator, one expert has stipulated.

Speaking in a BMJ podcast, Steve Simpson Jnr from the University of Tasmania noted that the concept of MS being linked to the equator dates back to the early 1900s.

In 1954, it was found that the disease increased in incidence the further away from the equator people lived.

However, he added that not everyone is convinced as to the truth of this notion, despite further investigation into it.

"They actually did a statistical analysis for the first time in 2003, finding again the latitudinal gradient persisted. But more recently, there has been some debate as to whether or not the gradient is there," said Mr Simpson.

This follows the Paralyzed Veterans of America Summit 2011, which focused on how to tackle pain and progress in the field of MS.

Serious Law, award winning spinal injury law firm

Posted by Paul Breen
 

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