Recognizing the Early Signs and Symptoms of MS
What happens with MS is the body’s immune system begins to attack the protective covering of the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, called the myelin sheath. Symptoms of MS vary from person to person and damage incurred varies as well. It is possible for MS to progress to a point of severe, irreversible nerve damage, rendering a person unable to walk.
Muscle Symptoms
Muscle symptoms are one of the most common first symptoms to occur with multiple sclerosis. These symptoms may be passed off at first, then can become more severe as the disease progresses and are not able to be ignored. A person can lose their balance while standing. They can suffer from muscle spasms or numbness in the muscles for no reason. It’s also possible for a person to begin having problems walking, picking up their arms, or movement in general. These symptoms occur when the myelin sheath is worn away around the area of the brain that controls muscular signals.
Bladder and Bowel Symptoms
These sometimes embarrassing symptoms occur when the area of the brain that controls the evacuation processes of the body is affected. One could suffer from chronic constipation and stool leakage. They could also suffer from loss of bowel control with no warning. One could have problems beginning the urine flow or a strong or frequent need to urinate. Another symptom is incontinence, or urine leaking beyond control.
Eye Symptoms
Optic neuritis, or an inflammation of the nerves of the eyes, is another one of the most common early symptoms associated with MS, according to The New York Times Health Guide. Other eye symptoms can occur, such as double vision. These problems can become so severe that they interfere with an individual’s daily activity. There can be pain in the eyes for no reason or sudden, uncontrollable rapid eye movements. It is also possible for a person to suffer from vision loss that usually only affects one eye at a time.
Numbness, Tingling, or Pain
The numbness, tingling or pain that occurs with MS is unexplained. It can affect the face, either in the form of pain or the form of tingling. A person can experience horrible muscle spasms that are incredibly painful. Another problem that can be experienced is the feeling of bugs crawling up and down the arms and legs. The arms and legs can also feel pain or burning suddenly and for no reason.
Fatigue
The fatigue experienced with multiple sclerosis is so severe that it is considered debilitating. Fatigue becomes worse as the disease progresses. According to Medline Plus, the symptom of fatigue with MS becomes worse in the late afternoon. Most people will need medical intervention to treat the fatigue in order to allow the person to live a normal life.
REFERENCES:
Medline Plus: Multiple Sclerosis - https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000737.htm
Mayo Clinic: Multiple Sclerosis - https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/ds00188
The New York Times Health Guide: Multiple Sclerosis - https://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms.html