In the United States, nearly a million people live with multiple sclerosis (or MS), a serious immune-mediated disorder that affects the central nervous system. In patients suffering from the disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, specifically the protective covering on nerves, resulting in scarring (or sclerosis) of the nerve coverings. There is currently no cure for MS, and the cause is unknown.
However, risk factors include gender (female’s between the ages of 20-40 years of age are most prone to MS), as well as smoking, certain infections, and vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiencies. Here is a list of early warning signs of MS:
1. Numbness and tingling
One of the most common warning signs for MS is numbness and tingling. The disease causes the signals sent along the body’s nerves to get jumbled or lost. This causes numbness and tingling. Common areas that experience numbness and tingling are the face, arms, legs, and fingers.
2. Vision problems
Problems with vision are the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis. The optic nerve becomes inflamed. This can cause double vision, blurred vision, or loss of vision. Get sudden changes in vision tested.
3. Pain
Chronic pain is a common symptom of MS and may be an early warning sign of the disease. Pain affects more than half the people with multiple sclerosis. The pain caused by damage to the nervous system can be debilitating. Legs are a common site of pain in MS patients.
Muscle spasms and spasticity
Involuntary muscle spasms and stiffness are also common complaints. People with MS often have painful jerking movements.
4. Fatigue and weakness
80 percent of people living with MS report dealing with chronic fatigue. Unexplained fatigue is one of the most common complaints of early stage sufferers. This symptom occurs as the spinal cord nerves break down. The legs are often affected first.
5. Balance issues and dizziness
People with multiple sclerosis often experience feelings of being off balanced or dizzy. These symptoms come from damage to the pathways that carry visual and spatial input to the brain. The damage weakens the body’s ability to maintain balance.
6. Bladder issues
80 percent of people with MS experience bladder problems. Sclerosis can form on parts of the central nervous system that control important parts of the urinary system. These scars can cause an inability to empty the bladder, overactive bladder, or incontinence.
7. Cognitive problems
Cognition refers to the brain’s ability to keep and process information. A sudden change in cognitive abilities can be a symptom of MS. Cognitive problems can be the first symptom of the disease and may be so mild that they go unnoticed. Cognitive decline may show up in how a person processes information, memory, attention and concentration, and verbal fluency.
8. Emotional changes
Multiple sclerosis can cause lesions in parts of the brain that cause changes in mood. These can lead to changes in behavior or irritability. People suffering from MS may experience mood swings or depression.