Multiple sclerosis is a disease that attacks the body's central nervous system. It affects the brain and the spinal cord, the two primary areas that communicate with the rest of the body. The most common form of MS will have symptoms appear for a while and then disappear increasing in intensity with each episode. This is not the easiest of diseases to diagnose because initial symptoms tend to mimic other diseases that are less severe. If you are not sure if you have it, here are 10 early signs of multiple sclerosis.
1.) Fatigue
Approximately 80% of people with MS complain of extreme fatigue. While there could be many reasons for fatigue to set in, when there are frequent bouts with it and it tends to progressively worsen it could be a warning sign that something is wrong.
2.) Numbness
A lack of sensation in different parts of the body can also be an indication that you might have the disease. While numbness can occur in any part of the body, it most often occurs on the face, and on the arms and legs. It can become so debilitating that it is difficult to walk or even hold things. Even chewing could become a challenge.
3.) Tingling
Closely related to the numbness is the overactive sensation of tingling in the arms, fingers, or toes. While numbness is the result of the brain not sending any signals, the tingling sensation occurs when the brain begins to send conflicting signals to the various parts of the body.
4.) Spasticity
Spasticity is when you start to have involuntary muscle contractions or spasms. It is most often felt in the legs and may be followed by a feeling of tightness in the chest.
5.) Difficulty With Vision
Vision problems are also among the 10 early signs of multiple sclerosis. These usually are the result of inflammation developing around the optic nerve.
6.) Pain
While pain is not a symptom common to everyone with MS, those who do have it complain of severe burning sensations in the extremities. It has been described as feeling like a stabbing of a knife as a result of damaged nerves. It can also be musculoskeletal in nature.
7.) Bladder Problems
Bladder problems can sometimes be a secondary symptom of the condition. Because many people with the disease are unable to fully vacate their bladder it can lead to bladder infections. It can also have the opposite effect; when the bladder responds to every little detail.
8.) Constipation
Closely related to that is constipation due to the nerves and muscles not working properly.
9.) Dizziness
MS sufferers often become disoriented easily. While these symptoms are not the most common, having dizziness and vertigo can affect your ability to coordinate and perform basic activities.
10.) Vertigo
The symptoms of MS may not always be the ideal indicator that something in our body is off. They will come and go without warning and will reappear just as quickly. If you have any of these 10 early signs of multiple sclerosis, that are coming and going with increasing regularity and intensity, you should talk with your doctor immediately for testing.