Early Warning Signs of Multiple Sclerosis

Early Warning Signs of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that causes gradual and permanent damage to the cells of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). MS typically appears in the early stages of adulthood, causing a prolonged effect on the patients everyday life. MS symptoms differ between patients causing a number of cognitive, neurological, bladder, vision, and muscular symptoms.
Early warning signs of MS include:

1. Balance issues
A person with MS may experience coordination problems and reduced mobility. These balance issues are attributed to lightheadedness and dizziness symptoms that come with MS.

2. Vision problems
A common sign of MS is vision problems. It is due to the optic nerves being affected by inflammation which disrupts the central vision. The results may be a permanent loss of vision or a blurry vision. This sign is a gradual process that is not noticeable. The loss of vision may begin with a feeling of pain when one looks up or looks to the side.

3. Numbness and spasms
As we have seen, MS affects the central nervous system connected to the brain and the spinal cord. It may result in mixed signals to the body that are sources of an uncontrolled spasm feeling in the body. When no signals are sent at all, it causes numbness in the body. Numbness and spasms are significant danger signs of MS. The face, arms, legs, and fingers parts are the most affected with numbness.

4. Weakness and fatigue
A more significant percentage of MS conditions persons experience unclear general body weakness or fatigue during the early stages. It is because of the deterioration of the spinal column. These warning signs are felt in the legs and may appear suddenly and last through some weeks.

5. Bladder issues
People with MS may find it hard to hold urine, resist the urge to urinate and frequently find themselves visiting the washrooms to relieve themselves from urine. These are generally symptoms that characterize a dysfunctional bladder. It is a common manageable symptom that is manageable.

6. Cognitive problems
Some of the cognitive problems experienced by people with MS include memory issues, a low concentration span, difficulty in speech, and disorganization. They may also experience other emotional health issues such as depression. Other warning signs may include sexual dysfunction, loss of hearing, seizures, uncontrollable shaking, difficulty breathing, slow speech, and difficulty in swallowing.

For MS diagnosis, one will require to be examined by a neurologist. The examination will involve a neurological test, eye test, a magnetic resonance Imaging (IMR) test, and a spinal tap test. These tests assist a doctor in evaluating any damage caused to the central nervous system from different angles. After diagnosis, a physician may recommend several treatments such as prescription medications, physical therapies, and MS treatment injectns.