Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of those diseases that can be very unpredictable. The symptoms can vary in intensity as well as in variety. While one person may feel extreme fatigue and numbness all over their body, other cases may eventually lead to paralysis and even a weakened brain function. The immune-mediated disorder can wreak major havoc on a person's central nervous system causing all sorts of discomfort. As the disease progresses, symptoms can be become quite severe leaving you debilitated in many ways. It helps to understand the early symptoms of multiple sclerosis in adults so you can start treatment as soon as possible and learn how to cope with it.
1.) Vision
One of the early symptoms of multiple sclerosis in adults is that something goes wrong with your vision. As the inflammation builds up along the optic nerve it will begin to disrupt the central vision causing blurriness, double vision or a complete loss of eyesight altogether. Because this happens gradually over time you may not notice it at first but eventually you'll experience pain accompanying your attempts at focusing on things.
2.) Tingling and Numbness
Another one of the early symptoms of multiple sclerosis in adults is a tingling or numbness throughout the body. This is the result of the nerve system sending out conflicting signals to different parts of the body. When the brain for some reason fails to send out any signals, numbness is the result. The tingling sensation, however, is one of the main warning signals that you are dealing with a case of MS and will be most likely felt in the face, arms, legs or fingers.
3.) Pain and Muscle Spasms
Chronic pain and muscle spasms are a common indication that you may have MS. You may alternate between stiff muscles and joints to painful spasms that cause involuntary jerking movements in the extremities of the body. These are more likely to occur in the legs but occasionally may be felt in the back as well.
4.) Fatigue and Muscle Weakness
You may find yourself inexplicably fatigued for no apparent reason. This happens when the nerves in the spinal column begin to deteriorate. This fatigue can come on suddenly and last for weeks and then improve just as quickly. It usually starts with a weakness in the legs first and then spreads to other parts of the body. Approximately 80% of MS patients experience this in the very early stages of the disease.
5.) Poor Balance and Dizziness
A lack of coordination and difficulty keeping your balance can also be an early symptom of multiple sclerosis in adults. You might find yourself feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or experience episodes of vertigo. It can become even more apparent when you attempt to stand up. Your gait may be off and as the disease progresses the symptoms will intensify.
While many people may suffer from MS there is no one set of symptoms that will occur in everyone. Attacks can come on suddenly, last for several weeks, and then disappear for no apparent reason. However, as the disease progresses you can expect the severity and frequency of the attacks to intensify over time. The best course of action when the early signs appear is to detect it early so that steps can be taken to slow its progression.