Which geographical areas are considered high risk for multiple sclerosis?

The regions identified as high risk for multiple sclerosis include northern and central Europe, along with parts of the former Soviet Union. This is supported by research that has shown higher prevalence rates for MS in these areas compared to others around the world.

The understanding of geographical risk for multiple sclerosis is largely tied to the "latitude gradient," where MS tends to occur more frequently in regions further from the equator. The specific factors contributing to this increased prevalence include genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and vitamin D levels, which can be affected by sunlight exposure.

In contrast, the other geographical areas listed have not shown similar high rates of MS. For instance, southern Europe and South America do have some cases of MS, but their prevalence is generally lower than in the identified high-risk regions. Similarly, Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as Eastern Asia and the Caribbean, show lower incidence rates of MS, which further underscores why they are not classified as high-risk areas. This understanding helps healthcare providers better target resources and support for populations that are more predisposed to MS.