Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that causes the immune system to attack and damage the myelin sheath that covers the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, interrupting normal signals between the brain, muscles, and other organs. Early diagnosis is the key to reducing the risk of permanent disability and maximizing the potential for recovery, so it is important to be aware of common early warning symptoms of MS. Such early symptoms can include:
1. Numbness and spasms
With MS, individuals may suffer from dermatome symptoms—numbness or tingling in the skin. These symptoms can occur when the protective myelin sheath around nerve fibers, which should normally allow signals to travel easily between the brain and muscles of the legs and arms, deteriorates. This often results in numbness or weakness in the legs or arms, tremors, lack of coordination, and speech problems that arise from coordination issues. Other symptoms include a loss of sensation in certain areas of the skin and the loss of some reflexes.
2. Balance issues
Clumsiness and loss of balance are common symptoms of MS. Individuals may experience dizziness and a feeling of vertigo or “unpredictable unsteadiness” when walking and may have problems maintaining their balance. In some cases, individuals with MS may experience whiplash-like symptoms, which can lead to severe back pain. Although these symptoms may occur in other conditions, they are more common in patients with MS and often occur before any other MS symptoms are experienced. Balance problems can also be aggravated by heat or cold, lack of sleep, and fatigue. In some cases, balance problems can progress to the point where a person with MS can no longer walk without assistance.
3. Bladder issues
MS can also cause a person to have problems with bladder and bowel control. These problems may include a loss of bladder control, urinary incontinence, difficulty starting urination, and an inability to empty the bladder. In some cases, these symptoms can cause permanent damage to the bladder. Although some of these symptoms may appear similar to other conditions, evidence suggests that lymphatic dysfunction is responsible for most urinary issues in MS patients.
4. Cognitive problems
MS can result in various cognitive difficulties, such as loss of memory, difficulties in concentration, confusion, and poor problem-solving skills. In some cases, individuals may experience personality changes such as becoming irritable or apathetic or having difficulty communicating with others. Cognitive problems are one of the most common symptoms associated with MS. It has been found that up to 50 percent of patients diagnosed with MS have cognitive issues.
5. Vision problems
The vision problems that often occur in MS patients are known as optic neuritis. Optic neuritis occurs when the nerve fibers linking the eye to the brain get damaged by inflammation or when there is a blockage in the tract between the eye and the brain. It may result in blurry vision or seeing flashing lights, and it can also cause loss of peripheral vision and difficulty reading. Some people with MS develop a form of visual impairment that develops suddenly—for example, blurred blobs or spots.
