Early Signs of Multiple Sclerosis: What To Watch Out For

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic immune-related condition that damages the nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. The cause of Multiple Sclerosis remains unknown, although environmental and genetic factors are believed to play a role. About one in every thousand people get Multiple Sclerosis, which means that your chances of having it are relatively low unless you have a parent or sibling with the condition. 

There is no standard test to diagnose Multiple Sclerosis, and what makes it harder to diagnose is that the symptoms manifest differently in different patients. There are, however, a few early warning signs you should keep an eye out for so that you can start accessing the best Multiple Sclerosis treatment as soon as possible.

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the central nervous system. It is an autoimmune demyelinating disease, which means the immune system mistakenly attacks normal tissues — in this case, the myelin or protective covering around nerve fibers. This leaves scarred tissues or lesions in multiple areas, disrupting impulses throughout the body. When the myelin sheath is damaged, nerve impulses slow or even stop, causing neurological problems.

Early signs of Multiple Sclerosis

The symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis tend to be unpredictable, with some appearing to get better and then coming back after months or even years. However, certain symptoms that present as a combination and persist for several days are a sign that you should get a check-up. Here are some of the early warning signs that may be harmless on their own, but could also potentially signal Multiple Sclerosis.

• Numbness or tingling in a limb: Some numbness may manifest in all of us if we sleep in an awkward position or sit uncomfortably for too long. However, if you experience persistent tingling or numbness over a day or longer, you should get it attended to.

• Painful vision loss: Many Multiple Sclerosis patients experience painful vision loss or blurred vision in one eye, as though they are looking through dirty sunglasses. You may also experience pain when you look upward or to one side. This occurs due to inflammation of the optic nerve.

• Severe dizziness: Dizziness is another symptom that all of us may experience from time to time and for a variety of reasons. Severe dizziness that lasts two days or more, however, hints at a serious underlying cause and should be checked.

• Facial paralysis: If one side of your face appears to be drooping or is temporarily paralyzed, consult a doctor immediately.

• Fatigue: About 80% of Multiple Sclerosis patients experience unexplained fatigue in the early stages of the condition, as the nerves in the spinal column deteriorate. The weakness will typically manifest in the legs first.

• Bladder dysfunction: Spinal cord inflammation may lead to bladder dysfunction or incontinence.

• Pain: Multiple Sclerosis-induced pain may be acute or chronic, and can occur in the arms, legs, and torso. Many patients experience band-like pain in the chest area, often known as ‘MS hug’.

Getting a diagnosis

In general, doctors will test for Multiple Sclerosis if any of the above symptoms are present for more than a couple of days.

While living with Multiple Sclerosis can be challenging, there are several treatments available to slow its progression. It is recommended that you visit your doctor as soon as you see the early warning signs. You can also connect with other people who have the condition and get their support. The sooner you get diagnosed, the sooner you can start benefiting from the best Multiple Sclerosis treatment and lead a fulfilling life.