Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, is an autoimmune disease that attacks the body’s nervous system. While research on the disease is still ongoing, some possible risk factors include exposure to certain viruses, environment, and heredity. The symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from patient to patient. However, many people do show some of the same signs before their eventual diagnosis. Here are five early warning signs that are common among MS patients:
Common Early Warning Symptoms of MS
1. Vision problems
Changes in vision are common in the early stages of MS. The optic nerve is responsible for delivering visual data to the brain and becomes less effective when its cells are damaged. Vision problems can also arise from muscle control issues that make it difficult to focus or direct the eyes. Blurriness, double vision, loss of color, and uncontrolled eye movements are the early visual symptoms to look out for.
2. Balance issues
Many people with MS often experience balance issues in the early stages. A person with balancing troubles may exhibit changes in their gait, become less coordinated, or feel dizzy often, especially when they’re in a standing position. If the inner ear is affected, they will also experience vertigo. This is attributed to damaged nerve cells that fail to relay messages to and from the brain, affecting one’s ability to control their muscles. Also, damaged nerves can transmit incomplete information about the body’s orientation in space to make balancing difficult.
3. Bladder issues
The brain relies on healthy nerves to recognize when the bladder is full, sense when it’s empty, and control urine flow. Therefore, nerve damage from MS can impair bladder function. Some examples of MS-related bladder issues include leaks, frequent urges to urinate, involuntary urination, and bladder retention. With 80% of all MS patients experiencing it in some form, bladder dysfunction is one of the most common early MS symptoms. Fortunately, it’s easy to manage with medications and the guidance of a doctor. Less often, nerve damage from MS may cause bowel issues like diarrhea or constipation.
4. Cognitive problems
MS causes physical and chemical changes in the brain that eventually result in cognitive problems. Early symptoms of these cognitive changes include difficulty learning new information, focus issues, and overall decline in mental sharpness. These brain changes can also trigger emotional changes, causing symptoms like mood swings, depression, anxiety, and irritability.
5. Numbness and spasms
Involuntary muscle spasms can occur when electrical signals from the brain slow down, stop, or become irregular. On the other hand, numbness occurs when signals traveling to the brain are compromised, resulting in diminished sensation. In the early stages, numbness and spasms may come and go, appearing mild at first. They may also be accompanied by a painful, tingling, or pins-and-needles sensation.
