12 early symptoms of multiple sclerosis to watch out for

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

If you regularly feel dizzy, hearing deteriorates, and goosebumps run through your body, hurry up to see a doctor.

Multiple sclerosis is a serious disease that affects nerve fibers scattered throughout the brain and spinal cord (hence the name "diffuse"). At the same time, the nerve tissue is replaced by connective tissue, and scars are formed on it (in fact, the word "sclerosis" is translated from Greek as a scar). Signals from the brain to organs, tissues and back begin to pass with a hitch, which affects health and performance.

This is usually not fatal. However, as it progresses, multiple sclerosis hurts the quality of life. Weakness, increased fatigue, memory problems, blurred vision, hand tremors, movement problems …

Multiple sclerosis is most common in people aged 45–64 years, but its first manifestations can be observed as early as 20–40 years old.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for this ailment yet. However, there are ways to stop the progression of the disease and smooth out the symptoms that have already appeared. The sooner you see a therapist or neurologist, the more effectively you will be able to fight.

Here are the main signs that will help you see a doctor on time.

1. Changes in vision

This is one of the most common early symptoms. The optic nerve is almost the first to suffer from sclerosis. The result of this defeat is vision problems. At some point, you notice that, for example:

• the surrounding world is as if in a fog;
• objects around them have acquired vague outlines;
• sometimes doubles in the eyes;
• vision has clearly deteriorated: it is difficult for you to see anything far or near;
• it is difficult for you to distinguish between red and green, they merge;
• "flies" regularly dance before the eyes;
• when looking up or to the sides, painful sensations appear.

Vision problems can be different: multiple sclerosis is a disease with rather unpredictable effects. However, the very fact that something is wrong with your eyes should alert you. Especially if it is accompanied by other early symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

2. Weakness and fatigue

Unexplained weakness in the early stages of multiple sclerosis is present in 80% of cases. It is caused by damage to the nerves in the spine and first of all affects the legs: it becomes difficult to walk or standing for a long time.

3. Tingling in the limbs

This symptom is caused by damage to the brain and spinal cord, causing conflicting signals to the nerve endings on the surface of the body. As a rule, unpleasant goosebumps run around:

• hands;
• legs;
• fingers;
• face.

These symptoms are mild at first, but become more painful as MS progresses.

4. Numbness, loss of sensitivity in the fingertips

Fingers can go numb for a variety of reasons. But if, by touching an object, you cannot recognize whether it is warm or cold, this is an alarming symptom.

5. Electric discharges in the body

It is necessary to turn your head unsuccessfully, move your hand or leg, bend - and you seem to be shocked. With the development of multiple sclerosis, these sensations can become regular.

6. Muscle cramps

In the early stages of the disease, about half of people with multiple sclerosis experience unexplained spasms in the muscles of the legs, arms, and back.

Note that cramping can be a natural response, such as physical strain, uncomfortable shoes, or dehydration. But muscle cramps, as a regular symptom, are clearly associated with some kind of systemic problem. It is possible that with multiple sclerosis.

7. Coordination disorders

If you often feel dizzy, you notice that you have become clumsy, sometimes you lose your balance, feel insecure when walking, it's time to consult a doctor. Don't ignore these warning signs.

8. Problems with urination

Another symptom that occurs in 80% of people with multiple sclerosis. It manifests itself as follows: you drink the same amount of liquid, but you began to run to the toilet much more often. Or, for example, you don't always have time to hold on to urine. Or you can't pee until your bladder is completely empty.

9. Changes in the sexual sphere

Nerve damage often causes multiple sclerosis victims to stop experiencing sex drive and orgasm.

10. Emotional instability

Increased anxiety, irritability, endless mood swings - from joy and happiness to tearfulness and complete disappointment in life - are another common symptom of multiple sclerosis.

11. Cognitive impairment

Multiple sclerosis damages nerve fibers in the brain, which instantly affects higher nervous activity. It becomes difficult for a sick person to concentrate on anything, he is constantly distracted, his attention is scattered, and the speed of information processing is reduced. In addition, memory deteriorates.

12. Any sudden physiological changes

Multiple sclerosis is a very diverse disease. In addition to the above symptoms, its manifestations may include:

• hearing impairment;
• shaking hands;
• trouble swallowing and breathing;
• slurred speech;
• gait changes;
• headache.

If you observe any of the listed changes, and even more so if they are combined with other signs of multiple sclerosis, do not hesitate to visit your doctor. It is not a fact that you will be diagnosed with this disease. But if, after all, we are talking about multiple sclerosis, then starting rehabilitation as early as possible is in your best interests.