Early Warning Signs of Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that impacts the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, which may differ from patient to patient, which is why it is best to get a clear diagnosis from a physician. Patients can also experience different symptoms at different phases of MS disease progression.
Even so, the following symptoms are the most obviously associated with MS in the early stages:
1. Vision problems
One of the most obvious symptoms is problems with vision. This is called optic neuritis and is obvious because it is not as vague as symptoms like tingling or numbness.
2. Fatigue and weakness
Many people who suffer from MS can start to feel fatigued. This is more than just being tired from a lack of sleep. Fatigue is a lack of energy and whole-body tiredness that does not diminish even after sleep. This fatigue can be chronic and last more than 6 months. It can prevent you from functioning normally.
3. Tingling or numbness
tingling/numbness are common symptoms of people with MS. A feeling of pins and needles can be a sign of nerve damage caused by the disease. This feeling happens in the face, legs, or arms, but can also happen on one side of the body.
4. Dizziness
Balance problems and dizziness is another symptom of MS. However, an off-balance feeling or dizzy feeling can also be a symptom of another disease. This vertigo in MS is a result of damage or lesions in the areas that coordinate spatial and visual input to the brain.
5. Tremors
Tremors are also common symptoms for people who suffer from MS. They are often mild but can be disabling for some people and interfere with walking and balance. These tremors can also affect the arms, hands, and head.
6. Problems with memory
People with MS can have difficulty remembering and concentrating on things. Memory loss is a common mental change and can occur at any time in the course of the disease.
7.Pain and spasms
This is a common symptom but not all people with Ms experience pain. When it does appear, it can affect different areas of the body. It causes aches in the bones, muscles, and joints.
You might feel a burning sensation in your legs, arms and feet. You might also feel a tightness in your belly or chest which gets worse at night or after exercise.
8. Bladder issues
Over the course of the disease, about 80% of all patients have bladder problems. They feel an uncontrollable need to empty the bladder even if it isn’t full.
9. Bowel problems
Approximately 7 out of every 10 patients will experience bowel issues during the course of the disease. They either experience constipation or incontinence.