The presence of multiple sclerosis (MS) is indicated by many different signs; however, the first signs of multiple sclerosis tend to have to do with changing sensations in the face, legs, or arms. Interestingly, once people receive an MS diagnosis, they start to attribute many other signs and symptoms from long before to the condition, and they are probably right. Yet, the first signs of multiple sclerosis at which point someone could be diagnosed are usually symptoms that have to do with balance, unsteadiness, double vision, total or partial vision loss, and feeling weak and unwell.
The Key First Signs Of Multiple Sclerosis:
Most MS patients will realize that they started to have strange sensations in their face, legs, and arms, with most of them describing it as numbness. This may occur at different degrees of severity, with some people experiencing pins and needles, whereas others feeling completely frozen. Some people lose all sensation in some parts of their body, often in the extremities, making it impossible for them to feel anything or to pick things up. This is potentially dangerous, as they could injure themselves without being aware of it.
Optic neuritis is also common. This means that patients suddenly go completely blind, or have other vision changes, for a certain period of time. Usually, it starts with full vision loss, which then starts to return over a period of three or so weeks. Indeed, around 50% of people with MS experience optic neuritis, sometimes experiencing permanent and full vision loss, and sometimes only experiencing the occasion blurry vision.
Many people also experience a certain degree of balance problems and unsteadiness as part of their multiple sclerosis. This can be quite unexpected and sudden. For instance, when they get up from a chair, they may suddenly stagger or wobble, and actually need to grab hold of a chair or other nearby object. To others this may seem as if the person is drunk, and it is quite common for people with undiagnosed MS to be accused of secretly drinking because of this! Patients may also become very clumsy, struggling to get through a doorway without bumping into things. Many people become very familiar with the door frame, in other words.
Those are some of the most common signs of multiple sclerosis. However, there are many other signs as well, and each person will experience different symptoms at different points and in different levels of severity. Common problems include sexual dysfunction, cognitive deficits, bladder problems, and more.
If you believe that you have MS, or if you experience any of the symptoms described here, then you should never diagnose yourself. It is all too easy to say that it is a normal part of aging, a virus, low blood pressure, or anything else you may have read about online. If you do have MS, there are things that can be done and the sooner you are diagnosed, the better your prognosis will be. Hence, don’t hesitate to have a physician investigate what is going on so that you can have the right treatment.
