Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a very poorly understood condition. It is a progressive, chronic disease that leaves people substantially disabled with a reduced quality of life. It is not clear what causes the condition, or whether certain people are more likely to develop it than others. What comes as a surprise to many is that the condition usually develops in young adults between the age of 20 and 40. Most of the time the early MS symptoms/warning signs get better, but there are always flareups. The more the disease progresses, the stronger the flareups tend to be. A significant issue is that many of the early signs and symptoms can be confused with other conditions as well.
Once people have been diagnosed with MS, it is vital that they monitor their own symptoms and report these to their physicians. This will help them to come up with a treatment plan that will help in the management of the condition, thus, reducing flareups. In fact, they may even be able to push it into full remission for many years.
If you have not been diagnosed yet, but you feel you have the early MS symptoms/warning signs, you must seek medical attention. You don't have to let MS control your life. With the proper treatment, you can live a long, happy life.
Early MS Symptoms And MS Warning Signs:
Common early signs and symptoms include:
- thinking problems
- double or blurry vision
- loss of balance
- lack of coordination or clumsiness
- weakness in an arm of leg
- tingling
However, each person is affected by MS in a unique way. This means that not everybody with MS has these symptoms, and having all these symptoms does not automatically mean that you have MS.
Some people only have a single symptom. After they have experienced it, months or years can go by without further symptoms appearing. Sometimes, the symptoms happen one at a time. At other times, several symptoms come at the same time. Some symptoms disappear, and they may never come back again. Some people have flareups that are very rapid in progression, leaving them disabled in a matter of weeks.
Common MS Symptoms:
Those with MS can experience changes in both mind and body. The severity of the symptoms they experience will vary. Many people don't have any serious symptoms for years. However, most people with MS tend to experience:
- Unusual feelings, such as pins and needles. Other feelings include itching, numbness, stabbing pain, burning pain, and tearing pain. These symptoms are present in around 50% of MS sufferers, but they can be managed.
- Around 80% of MS sufferers have bladder problems although these can be treated. Expect to need the toilet more frequently, including at night, or struggling to fully empty your bladder. Constipation and other bowel problems are also common.
- Difficulty walking can happen when muscle spasms occur or the muscles become weak. Sufferers often have numb feet, balance problems, and fatigue. All of this can make it more difficult for people to walk.
- Dizziness is very common in people with MS, who often say they feel lightheaded. While you may feel as if the room is spinning, it is unlikely that you have vertigo.