Multiple Sclerosis or MS is a degenerative disease that affects communication between the brain and the body. The central nervous system utilizes bundles of nerve fiber to carry messages from the brain to the body. MS causes the body’s immune system to start breaking down a protective sheath surrounding the nerve bundles. As the protective sheath sustains damage, it negatively affects communication throughout the body.
There are options for relieving symptoms with MS treatment injections. However, to help identify warning signs of MS, the following list highlights the most common symptoms:
1. Balance Issues
When your body’s communication pathways become disrupted, coordination can become impacted. Since balance relies on information gathered from the inner ear, eyes, muscles, and brain, communication is critical. If the nervous system struggles to transmit this information quickly, dizziness and falling can occur.
2. Vision problems
Unfortunately, MS also affects the eyes. Early symptoms of MS can include pain when moving the eye and loss of vision. Also, extended periods of double vision or blurry vision could be an early indicator of MS. If you become aware of similar issues with your eyes, visiting a doctor is essential. Those who suffer from MS experience a cycle between new symptoms and temporary relief, so it’s crucial to seek medical help if you suspect MS’s onset.
3. Numbness and spasms
In addition to balance and vision problems, MS can also create feelings of numbness or even spasms in your limbs. This symptom often occurs on only one side of the body and usually affects the body’s core or legs. As you can imagine, this numbness or spasming could be incredibly disruptive to someone driving, walking, or even working at a computer. These consequences of MS can happen without warning and make some activities nearly impossible until they subside.
4. Weakness or fatigue
Due to the brain’s reduced ability to communicate with the body’s muscles, fatigue and weakness can signal MS. When the brain is unable to stimulate the muscles properly, basic motions such as walking become impaired. These tired and lethargic symptoms affect the lower and upper body. Lengthy bouts of fatigue can interfere with daily tasks and even self-care.
5. Bladder issues
This indicator of MS is not only uncomfortable but becomes an isolating force that separates people from their community. Getting up multiple times a night to urinate, going more frequently in general, or having to quickly get to the bathroom to avoid accidents are early signs of MS. It’s essential to consult with your doctor because some bladder function changes result from natural aging and not necessarily MS.
6. Cognitive problems
Cognitive issues can present themselves in the early stages of MS. The body’s senses are always gathering information, and someone who suddenly has difficulty processing that information may be showing early signs of MS. Another aspect of the mind that’s affected is memory. Difficulty remembering or recalling things is a symptom of MS. Also, speech can become difficult as the mind struggles to find the correct words when speaking. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should strongly consider contacting your primary physician for an expert opinion.
