Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a condition that affects the central nervous system (or brain and spinal cord), which is responsible for keeping the entire body functioning properly.  The results of an MS attack may vary in regards to severity and specific areas of the body affected. For instance, where some patients may experience muscle fatigue or numbness; others may experience paralysis or lowered brain function. 

Multiple sclerosis is a lifelong condition that gradually progresses over time. It’s most often diagnosed in patients in their 20s and 30s, however, it may manifest at any time. Common early signs of multiple sclerosis may include:

1. Cognitive issues

People affected by MS will likely develop some form of issue that impedes their cognitive function. These issues can manifest in forms of but are not limited to, shortened attention spans, memory problems, linguistic inabilities, and the inability to stay organized. Additionally, your mental health can be compromised. They may experience depression, mood swings, irritability, and uncontrollable laughter and crying episodes, also known as the pseudobulbar effect.

2. Vision problems

Another common and early onset symptom of multiple sclerosis is problems with the eyes. The continued growth of the ailment results in the optic nerve’s swelling, which disrupts normal vision. In keeping with its ability to affect the message center of the body, MS can trigger blurred or double vision and a total inability to see. Since the ailment is progressive, these severe symptoms may not materialize at first. Instead, pay attention to any pain resulting from looking up or to the side, as these symptoms can predate vision loss.

3. Pains and spasms

Similar to how MS can send incorrect messages from the brain to the body that trigger numbness, the opposite effect of chronic pain and spasms may as well be a sign of the illness. Spasticity is caused when your muscles involuntarily contract and trigger painful jerking movements around the joints and extremities. MS can also give way to back pain that affects daily function.

4. Weakness or fatigue

Many individuals suffering from MS experience weakness and fatigue as an early sign of the illness. It happens when the spinal column nerves weaken and usually lasts for weeks after its sudden onset.

5. Balance problems or dizziness

As MS affects the mobility of those that suffer from it, dizziness and problems with your gait will arise. People often feel dizzy, lightheaded, and might experience vertigo when they stand up.

6. Bladder issues

Another early multiple sclerosis MS symptoms that affect the vast majority of people is bladder dysfunction. In this, those with multiple sclerosis have issues controlling their bladder and therefore experience an inability to hold their urine, recurrent urination, and uncontrollably strong urges to urinate. Of the early symptoms, problems with the bladder are somewhat easier to manage.

7. Tingling and numbness

Since MS impedes the proper biological function of the nervous system and the brain, the condition can cause numbness by sending incorrect or no signals around the body in response to stimuli. Furthermore, as one of the most prevalent symptoms, tingling can be felt in the fingers, arms, legs, and face.

It is vital to keep abreast of your MS symptoms as it affords you the best defense to fight the disease. There is nothing that can cure MS, yet early intervention can allow doctors to slow the progression of the illness, which improves your chances of adjusting to its effects. Reach out to your doctor as soon as you experience one of the symptoms mentioned above, especially if your family member has had the illness. Dealing with MS is difficult, but it always helps to have someone to reach out and talk to. Join local or virtual MS support groups to share your experiences in a healthy, supportive environment.